Hello Dolly
Frank Sinatra and Basie Lyrics
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It's so nice to have you back where you belong
You're looking swell, Dolly, we can tell, Dolly
You're still glowing, you're still crowing, you're still going strong
We feel the room swaying 'cause the band's playing
One of your old favorite songs from way back when
Take a rap, fellows, find her an empty lap, fellows
Dolly'll never go away, Dolly'll never go away
Hello Sax, this is Francis, Louie
It's so nice to see you back where you belong
You're back on top, Louie, never stop, Louie
You're still singing, you're still swinging, you're still going strong
You get the room swaying when you start in playing
One of your great songs, your songs from way back when
Blow your horn, Louie, sing up a great big song, Louie
Promise you won't go away, promise you won't go away
Promise you won't go away again
Oh yeah!
The song 'Hello Dolly!' is a joyous tune that celebrates the return of Dolly, a vivacious woman who has been away for some time. The lyrics convey the sense of excitement and admiration that the singer has for Dolly's return. She is described as "looking swell" and "glowing," and the singer is clearly happy to have her "back where you belong." The reference to Dolly's "crowing" suggests that she is not only physically vibrant but also confident and assertive.
The second half of the song is a tribute to the legendary jazz musician Louis Armstrong, who is often referred to as Satchmo or Pops. The lyrics are similar in structure to the first half, with the singer expressing joy at seeing Louis back "where you belong." Like Dolly, Louis is described as still "singing, [and] still swinging," highlighting his continued vitality and relevance. The repetition of the refrain "promise you won't go away" underscores the singer's desire to keep both Dolly and Louis in their rightful places in the world of music.
Overall, the song is a tribute to the power of music to bring joy and excitement, and to the timeless talents of performers like Dolly and Louis, who continue to inspire and entertain.
Line by Line Meaning
Hello Dolly, well hello Dolly
Greetings Dolly, it's wonderful to see you after so long
It's so nice to have you back where you belong
We are ecstatic to have you back in your rightful place
You're looking swell, Dolly, we can tell, Dolly
You look magnificent Dolly, it's evident to all who see you
You're still glowing, you're still crowing, you're still going strong
You are still brilliant, you continue to shine, and you persist with unyielding determination
We feel the room swaying 'cause the band's playing
The music is so enthralling that we can feel the room moving and swaying
One of your old favorite songs from way back when
The band is playing one of your cherished, classic songs from long ago
Take a rap, fellows, find her an empty lap, fellows
The musicians should take a turn to play and leave space for Dolly to sit
Dolly'll never go away, Dolly'll never go away
Dolly will always remain with us, she will never disappear
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JERRY HERMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind