Francis Charles Chacksfield was born in Battle, East Sussex, and as a child learned to play piano and organ. He appeared at Hastings Music Festivals by the time he was 14, and then became deputy church organist at Salehurst. After working for a short period in a solicitor's office he decided on a career in music, and by the late 1930s led a small band at Tonbridge in Kent. At the beginning of World War II he joined the Royal Corps of Signals, and, following a radio broadcast as a pianist, was posted to ENSA at Salisbury where he became the arranger for Stars In Battledress, an armed forces entertainment troupe, and shared an office with comedian Charlie Chester.[1][2]
After the war, he worked with Chester and on BBC Radio as an arranger and conductor. He also worked as musical director for both Henry Hall and Geraldo, and began recording under his own name in 1951 as "Frank Chacksfield's Tunesmiths". In early 1953 he had his first top ten hit, "Little Red Monkey", on the Parlophone label. This was a novelty recording featuring Jack Jordan on the clavioline, and reportedly the first record featuring an electronic instrument to feature on the UK pop chart.[citation needed] He signed a recording contract with Decca Records in 1953, and formed a 40-piece orchestra with a large string section, the "Singing Strings". His first record release for Decca, Charlie Chaplin's themes for his film Limelight, won him a Gold Disc in the USA, and in Britain, where it reached #2 in the charts, won him the New Musical Express award as Record of the Year. His next 78 single, "Ebb Tide", became the first British instrumental recording to reach #1 in some American charts, providing a second Gold Disc, and he was voted the most promising new orchestra of the year in the US.[1]
He became one of Britain's most well known orchestra leaders internationally, and is estimated to have sold more than 20 million albums worldwide.[2] His material was "mood music", similar to that of Mantovani, including ballads, waltzes, and movie themes.[3] In 1954 he began presenting a series on BBC TV, which continued occasionally until the early 1960s. Chacksfield was responsible for the musical arrangement of the first UK entry into the Eurovision Song Contest 1957; "All" by Patricia Bredin.[citation needed] He continued to write music, release singles and albums through the 1950s and 1960s, and appeared regularly on BBC radio.[2]
He continued to record occasionally until the 1990s, from the 1970s primarily on the Phase 4 label.[1] He also developed business interests in publishing and recorded for Starborne Productions, a company supplying "canned music" for use by easy listening radio stations and others. Many of these recordings were made commercially available in 2007. His last album was Thanks for the Memories (Academy Award Winners 1934-55), released in 1991.[1] Chacksfield died in Kent in 1995, after having suffered for several years from Parkinson's Disease.[2]
His song, "Après Ski", was featured in the 2006 video game Saint's Row for the Xbox 360.[4]
Don
Frank Chacksfield Orchestra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'll get along
Forget about me
Just be happy my love
Let's say that our little show is over
And so the story ends
Why not call it a day the sensible way
Look out for yourself
That should be the rule
Give your heart and your love
To whomever you love
Darlin' don't be a fool
Why do we cling to this old faded thing
That used to be
So if you can forget
Then don't worry 'bout me
Why should we cling to some old faded thing
That used to be
So if you can forget
Then you don't worry 'bout me
The song "Don't Worry Baby" by the Frank Chacksfield Orchestra is a classic piece that carries a powerful message of hope, optimism, and maturity. The lyrics talk about letting go of a fading relationship and moving on with life. It encourages embracing change and accepting the reality of life without being too attached to things that have become irrelevant.
The opening stanza sets the tone for the whole song: "Don't worry 'bout me, I'll get along, forget about me, just be happy my love." This line implies that the singer has come to terms with the fact that the relationship is over and that it's time to move on. The chorus reinforces this message, "Why should we cling to some old faded thing that used to be, so if you can forget then you don't worry 'bout me." The song urges everyone to let go of what is gone and move on with grace and composure.
In the second stanza, the singer advises the listener to look out for themselves, be smart, and not waste time on people or things that aren't worth it. "Look out for yourself, that should be the rule, give your heart, and your love to whomever you love, darlin' don't be a fool." The song acknowledges that relationships can be difficult but reminds listeners not to hold onto something that isn't meant to be.
Overall, the song represents a philosophy of living one's life - to be wise and mature and to move on when necessary, accepting what life brings with grace and resilience.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't worry 'bout me
Please don't concern yourself about my well-being or my feelings
I'll get along
I'll be able to manage on my own and carry on with my life
Forget about me
Please don't keep me in your thoughts or keep a memory of me
Just be happy my love
Instead, focus on your own happiness and well-being, my dear
Let's say that our little show is over
Let's imagine that our relationship or time together has come to an end
And so the story ends
And as a result, our narrative or time together comes to a close
Why not call it a day the sensible way
Perhaps it would be wise to end things in a calm and rational manner
And still be friends
And still maintain a platonic connection and positive relationship
Look out for yourself
Please prioritize your own safety and well-being
That should be the rule
That should be the guiding principle or standard of behavior
Give your heart and your love
Offer your emotions and affections openly and freely
To whomever you love
To the person that you genuinely care about and feel a connection with
Darlin' don't be a fool
Please don't be foolish or naive in matters of the heart
Why do we cling to this old faded thing
Why do we hold onto this relationship or connection that has lost its vibrance and vitality
That used to be
That was once fulfilling and strong
So if you can forget
So if you're able to let go and move on
Then don't worry 'bout me
Then you don't need to be concerned about how I'm doing or feeling
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Rube Bloom, Ted Koehler
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind