From age 12, Fred played clarinet and was in various junior high school bands and orchestras. As a teenager Fred attended New York’s High School of Performing Arts as a drama major. But he remembers many times listening to the school’s orchestra and being amazed at the high level of proficiency exhibited by his classmates in the music department.
He didn’t start the guitar until college, where he was an English major at Boston University, originally planning on becoming a writer. Learning chords from friends who were heavily into blues and folk guitar, he soon became obsessed with the instrument.
“ When I became serious about the guitar,” Fred remembers, “which was almost immediately after I picked one up at college, I thought back to my high school musician friends and realized I had a lot of work ahead of me. For a long time I imagined most guitar players were ahead of me and that I was playing catch up. It made me work all the harder.”
His introduction to jazz guitar came when he bought Kenny Burrell and Wes Montgomery albums. After hearing Wes, he knew what he wanted to do. But he cites many musicians as influences. Among guitarists he mentions Wes, Johnny Smith, Jim Hall, Pat Martino, George Benson, Kenny Burrell, Lenny Breau, Ted Greene and of course, George Van Eps.
With a Song in My Heart
Fred Fried Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Just a song at the start but it soon is a hymn to your grace
When the music swells, I'm touching your hand
It tells me you're standing near, and
At the sound of your voice, heaven opens its portals to me
Can I help but rejoice that a song such as ours came to be
But I always knew I would live life through
But I always knew I would live life through
With a song in my heart for you
The lyrics of "With A Song In My Heart" are an ode to the power that music and love have in our lives. The singer begins by describing how just the sound of a song can transform their demeanor, and how this feeling is heightened when they are around the object of their affection. As the music swells, they are able to touch the hand of the person they love, which serves as a powerful reminder of their physical presence.
The second verse takes this idea a step further, describing how the sound of the beloved's voice can open the gates of heaven itself. The singer is overcome with joy at the thought that their love has created a song that will last a lifetime. Finally, they express their belief that they will always carry this song in their heart, a constant reminder of the love they share.
Overall, the lyrics to "With A Song In My Heart" are a beautiful celebration of the transformative power of music and love. The singer is so captured by both elements that they cannot help but sing and rejoice in their presence.
Line by Line Meaning
With a song in my heart, I behold your adorable face
As I look at you, my dear, a song fills my heart and I see your lovely face.
Just a song at the start but it soon is a hymn to your grace
Although it starts as just a simple tune, it quickly becomes a beautiful tribute to your grace.
When the music swells, I'm touching your hand
As the music grows louder, I reach out and touch your hand, feeling your presence next to me.
It tells me you're standing near, and
Your touch lets me know that you're by my side, and I feel comforted.
At the sound of your voice, heaven opens its portals to me
When you speak, it's as if the gates of heaven open up to me and I feel pure bliss.
Can I help but rejoice that a song such as ours came to be
How can I not feel thrilled that our love has inspired such a beautiful song?
But I always knew I would live life through, with a song in my heart for you
I knew that my life wouldn't be complete without you, and that my love for you would always fill my heart with music.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: Lorenz Hart, Richard Rodgers
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind