Of Slovenian descent, he was from Cleveland, Ohio. Yankovic released over 200 recordings in his career. In 1986 he was awarded the first ever Grammy in the Best Polka Recording category.
Yankovic seldom strayed from the Slovenian-style polka, but did record with country singer Chet Atkins, pop singer Don Everly, and a version of the “Too Fat Polka” with comedian Drew Carey, also from Cleveland.
Yankovic enlisted in the Armed Forces in 1943, and cut some records while on leave, prior to his departure for Europe. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge, where a severe case of frostbite nearly resulted in the amputation of his hands and feet; fortunately, he was able to beat the gangrene before that became necessary, and was awarded a Purple Heart. He became an accomplished accordion player.
Yankovic was not related to "Weird Al" Yankovic, but Al did play accordion for "Who Stole the Kishka" on one of Frankie's final records, Songs of the Polka King, Vol. 1.
Yankovic died in New Port Richey, Florida due to heart failure.
Trivia
"Pennsylvania Polka," performed by Frankie Yankovic, was played (numerous times) in the film "Groundhog Day."
You Are My Sunshine
Frankie Yankovic Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
As I lay sleeping
I dreamed I held you
In my arms
When I awoke, dear
I was mistaken
And I hung my head and cried
You are my sunshine
My only sunshine
You make me happy
When skies are grey
You'll never know, dear
How much I love you
Please, don't take my sunshine away
I'll always love you
And make you happy
If you will only
Stay the same
But if you leave me
To love another
You'll regret it all someday
[Chorus]
You told me once, dear
You really loved me
And no one else could come between
But now you've left me and love another
You have shattered all of my dreams
[Chorus]
The lyrics to Frankie Yankovic's song You Are My Sunshine speak about the feeling of losing someone special and how that pain can be so intense that it seeps into one's subconscious mind. The singer narrates how he dreamt of holding his lover in his arms, only to realize upon waking up that he was mistaken. As a result, he wept bitterly in despair.
He then goes on to express his love for the person, telling them that they make him happy even when the skies are gray. He pleads with them not to take his sunshine away, indicating how vital they are to his happiness. He promises to always love them and make them happy, but warns that if they ever leave him for someone else, they will regret it someday. The chorus repeats the opening lines, emphasizing the importance of the person in the singer's life.
The song uses sunshine as a metaphor for the person who brings light and happiness into the singer's life. It is a simple yet powerful way of expressing the intensity of emotions that one experiences when dealing with a breakup. The song's popularity is a testament to how relatable the lyrics are, as anyone who has gone through a similar situation can connect with the singer's pain and longing.
Line by Line Meaning
The other night, dear
At some point in the recent past, my dear, I had a dream.
As I lay sleeping
During this dream, I was in a state of slumber.
I dreamed I held you
In my dream, I had the pleasurable sensation of embracing you.
In my arms
The embrace was close and intimate, so much so that I was holding you in my arms.
When I awoke, dear
Upon ending this dream, my dear, I regained consciousness.
I was mistaken
Unfortunately, I discovered that the dream was not real.
And I hung my head and cried
This knowledge was so saddening, that I became upset and began to cry.
You are my sunshine
You, my dear, are the light and source of goodness in my life.
My only sunshine
Of all the sources of goodness in my life, you are the only one.
You make me happy
You bring me joy and happiness.
When skies are grey
Your presence in my life brightens my mood, even in times of gloom or sadness.
You'll never know, dear
I deeply love and cherish you, but I have not been able to express this to you fully.
How much I love you
The depth of my love for you is immeasurable and difficult to put into words.
Please, don't take my sunshine away
My dear, I am begging you not to leave me, as you are the primary source of happiness and goodness in my life.
I'll always love you
Regardless of what happens, I will always hold love and affection for you in my heart.
And make you happy
My greatest desire is to keep you content and emotionally fulfilled.
If you will only
As long as you stay with me and remain committed to our relationship,
Stay the same
and continue to act and feel the way you always have,
But if you leave me
However, if you decide to end our relationship and walk away,
To love another
to seek romantic love and connection with someone else,
You'll regret it all someday
You will come to realize your mistake and feel sorrowful for the loss of what we had.
You told me once, dear
My dear, you once confided in me
You really loved me
that you truly loved me and held deep affection for me.
And no one else could come between
You implied that there was no one else who could interfere or adulterate our love.
But now you've left me and love another
But now, it seems that you have abandoned our love and engaged in romantic entanglements with someone else.
You have shattered all of my dreams
This betrayal has caused me profound heartache and disappointment, eclipsing all of my prior hopes and aspirations.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Jimmie Davis
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Mark Carling
on Ten Swedes
Ten Swedes, by Mack H. Kay, performed by Frank Yankovic
Verse 1:
Ten Swedes met in Brooklyn
A more congenial lot never gathered in one spot.
And while they met in Brooklyn,
They filled the place with glee,
But here’s what’s bothered me -
CHORUS:
They had one drink. They hollered, “Skoal!”
And then the ten Swedes shook hands all around.
Another drink. Another, “Skoal!”
And then the ten Swedes shook hands up and down.
They had four more, while I kept score.
And after each one then, they’d all shake hands again.
It bothers me. Can’t get it right.
How many handshakes did the ten swedes make that night?
Verse 2:
Was it 90? Or 300? Who can figure up the toll?
Those ten Swedes have got me looney
With their handshakes and their skoal!
Let nobody leave this gathering
While the answer’s still in doubt.
Have another drink and then
Lets sing this song again.
Maybe you can figure out.
Repeat Chorus