Bertoncini grew up in New York City in a musical family. His father played guitar and harmonica. Bertoncini began playing guitar at age seven and by age sixteen was appearing on television. He graduated from high school and attended Notre Dame University, where he obtained a degree in architecture[1][2]. Bertoncini resides in New York City.
Early in life, Bertoncini had lessons with Johnny Smith. After college Bertoncini moved to Chicago where he became immersed in the jazz scene, working with Carmen McRae. Bertoncini returned to New York and played with vibraphonist Mike Manieri and then played in one of Buddy Rich's ensembles. Bertoncini's career has included playing with Benny Goodman, Buddy Rich, Wayne Shorter, Hubert Laws, Paul Desmond, Tony Bennett, Lena Horne, Nancy Wilson, Vic Damone, and Eydie Gorme among others. Bertoncini had a long-running duo with bassist Michael Moore. He was part of the staff orchestras on shows featuring Merv Griffin, Jack Paar and The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. After hearing a Julian Bream record at the advice of Barney Kessel, Bertoncini began studying classical guitar and brought the instrument into playing jazz. For some eighteen years, Bertoncini played Sunday and Monday evenings at the Bistro La Madeleine on West 43rd St. in New York City. Bertoncini has been on the faculties of Eastman School of Music, the New England Conservatory, New York University and the Banff School of Fine Arts in Alberta, Canada. He is also on the staff of the Tritone Jazz Fantasy Camps.
Traumerei
Gene Bertoncini Lyrics
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Funny, but here's that rainy day
Here's that rainy day they told me about
And I laughed at the thought that it might turn out this way
Where is that worn out wish that I threw aside
After it brought my lover near
It's funny how love becomes a cold rainy day
Funny how love becomes a cold rainy day
Funny, that rainy day is here
The lyrics of Gene Bertoncini's song Traumerei speak of the capricious nature of love and how it turns from a beautiful dream to a cold and rainy day. The song begins with the regret of having discarded leftover dreams, possibly referring to the unfulfilled dreams of the past that could have been cherished instead of discarding them. The singer then talks about the irony of life, how they laughed at the thought that a rainy day might turn out to be so significant. The sudden change in weather, from a beautiful sunny morning to a gloomy rainy day, metaphorically refers to the change in the course of the lover's feelings.
The lyrics suggest that love is like the weather- unpredictable and capable of changing without warning. The reference to a "worn-out wish" possibly alludes to the singer's earlier failed romance, where they loved deeply but couldn't sustain it. It's ironic that now, when they're no longer looking for love, it has come knocking on their door. The song's mood is a mix of nostalgia, regret, and hope, capturing the emotions of love's complex journey.
Line by Line Meaning
Maybe I should have saved those left over dreams
Perhaps I should have held onto those dreams I left behind
Funny, but here's that rainy day
It's strange, but the day I was warned about has arrived
Here's that rainy day they told me about
This is the day that people had previously given caution about
And I laughed at the thought that it might turn out this way
But despite the warnings, I found it amusing that it would actually come to this
Where is that worn out wish that I threw aside
I wonder where the old desire I abandoned has gone
After it brought my lover near
That very wish had once led me to find my beloved
It's funny how love becomes a cold rainy day
It's strange how the warmth and passion of love can turn into a bleak and dreary day
Funny, that rainy day is here
Indeed, that very day has finally arrived
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ROBERT REYNOLDS, SCOTTY HUFF
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind