Imagination
Frank Sinatra with Tommy Dorsey & His Orchestra Lyrics
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Makes a bee think of honey just as I think of you
Imagination is crazy, your whole perspective gets hazy
Starts you asking a daisy "What to do, what to do?"
Have you ever felt a gentle touch and then a kiss
And then and then, find it's only your imagination again?
Imagination is silly, you go around willy-nilly
For example I go around wanting you
And yet I can't imagine that you want me, too
Mr. Sinatra, "Imagination" is a romantic ballad that beautifully captures the essence of daydreams and romantic fantasies. The opening lines of the song showcase how imagination can transform a cloudy day into a sunny one, and how it can make a bee think of honey, just like how the singer thinks of his love interest even when they are not around. The notion that imagination is "crazy" is also highlighted in the song, because it makes your mind hazy and you start questioning things you might not have thought of otherwise. In the case of the singer, it starts with talking to a daisy for guidance on what to do about their deep-set feelings for the person they love.
The third stanza might be the most poignant in the song - it talks about the feeling of being touched gently and kissed but then realizing that it's only a figment of the imagination. The feeling of disappointment is palpable in the words and the music, yet this idea of imagining a touch and a kiss is a testament to the power of imagination.
In the final two lines, the singer admits, with a touch of self-deprecation, that they cannot imagine their love interest returning the same feelings. The idea of longing for someone who we think is out of our league is a universal one, and this verse captures that feeling impeccably.
Line by Line Meaning
Imagination is funny, it makes a cloudy day sunny
The power of imagination is such that it can change one's perception of a dull, listless day to a bright and cheerful one.
Makes a bee think of honey just as I think of you
Just as the thought of honey comes naturally to a bee, my thoughts invariably turn towards you.
Imagination is crazy, your whole perspective gets hazy
When you rely on imagination too much, it can start to cloud your judgement and make you see things that aren't really there.
Starts you asking a daisy "What to do, what to do?"
One's imagination can leave them feeling lost, confused and unsure of what action to take next, as if asking an unfeeling daisy for advice.
Have you ever felt a gentle touch and then a kiss
And then and then, find it's only your imagination again?
Oh, well
One may sometimes feel as though they have experienced an intimate moment with someone they desire, only to realize that it was merely a figment of their imagination.
Imagination is silly, you go around willy-nilly
For example I go around wanting you
Imagination can cause us to act in a foolish and unpredictable manner, such as my irrational infatuation with you.
And yet I can't imagine that you want me, too
Despite my vivid imagination, I cannot fathom the idea that you could possibly reciprocate my feelings for you.
Contributed by Grayson I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Vincent Odera
I love this version than all the others.
Rita Robertshaw
Speaking to my sister this evening these words came to mind. We went here (hear!!) there and everywhere and then I found this. Many many thanks. Guess my age?? I still remember the tune but not the words. Funny how some tunes/songs/words stick isn't it? Just found the lyrics - from a time gone by. Can you imagine these words being sung nowadays? Nor can I.
Michael Glickman
For those wondering, Miller's vocalist was Ray Eberle.
Ed Mace
This was a young Frank? Love playing this on the ukulele.
Dexterous Animation
fantastic
Gloria Chinea
Thanks Much 💖
Skol City Blues
That’s silk brah !
Alan Fox
why was Frank Sinatra not get top billing as the singer but the bandleader instead?
Guillermo Guzman
That's how it was in the era of the bandleader.
Jordan Kamnitzer
Plus Marion Hutton and rex beneke