During the late 1920s and early 1930s, Miller managed to earn a living working as a freelance trombonist in several bands. His first band was formed in 1937 but failed to distinguish itself and eventually broke up.
Following the break-up of his first band, Miller realized that he needed to develop a unique sound, and decided to make the clarinet play a melodic line with a tenor saxophone on the same note, while three other saxophones harmonized. With this sound combination, the Miller band that became the most popular was born in 1938. After a shaky start, it made his new band a nationwide hit.
In 1942, Miller joined the United States Army Air Forces where he continued his musical career with the Army Air Force Band.
On December 15, 1944, Miller was to fly from the United Kingdom to Paris, France, to play for the soldiers who had recently liberated Paris. His plane departed from RAF Twinwood Farm in Clapham, Bedfordshire and disappeared while flying over the English Channel. No trace of the aircrew, passengers or plane has ever been found. Miller's status is missing in action.
His music is still iconic of the time period in which he lived and continues to draw thousands of fans of all age groups.
Glenn Miller was a popular visitor to Bedford and its American Air force bases. He is still remembered to this day by the people of Bedford with a bronze bust displayed on the front of the towns Corn Exchange, and more recently, what remains of the Twinwoods Airfield being renovated as a Glenn Miller Museum and outdoor event site
2) Glenn Miller was a Jamaican reggae and soul artist of the 1960's.
Along with other legendary artists such as Bob Marley & the Wailers and Desmond Dekker he recorded for the Trojan record label.
The Man with the Mandolin
Glenn Miller Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He'll cheer you up till your ship comes in
Loveable old fellow playing an old tune
He comes round every afternoon
Raggedy old minstrel wearing a big grin
You'll love the man with the mandolin
All the kids follow, all the kids holler
"Mama, throw a nickle, and the man will
Pick a little tune we love..."
Open your heart, let the music in,
There goes the man with the mandolin!
The song "The Man with the Mandolin" talks about a happy character in the neighborhood who cheers everyone up with his music. Glenn Miller describes the man as an old fellow who visits every afternoon and plays an old tune on his raggedy mandolin. Despite this, people love the man for his cheerful disposition and his ability to uplift their spirits. Even kids are drawn to him, following him around and hollering for their mothers to throw a nickel so that the man can play some music they love.
The song encourages people to open their hearts and let the music embrace them. It reminds listeners about the power of music to make people happy, especially during difficult times. The lyrics encourage people to connect with the community around them, and appreciate the little things that make life enjoyable, like a man playing a mandolin on a street corner.
Overall, "The Man with the Mandolin" is a song about the simple pleasures of life, and the ability to find joy in the little things that make life worth living. It reminds us of the importance of connecting with our neighbors, and the role that music can play in bringing people together.
Line by Line Meaning
Here comes the man with the mandolin
A person holding a mandolin is approaching.
He'll cheer you up till your ship comes in
He'll lift your spirits until you succeed with good luck.
Loveable old fellow playing an old tune
A friendly and endearing old man is playing an old melody.
He comes round every afternoon
He visits every afternoon.
Raggedy old minstrel wearing a big grin
An unkempt and scruffy musician has a wide smile on his face.
You'll love the man with the mandolin
You'll have fondness for the man with the mandolin.
All the kids follow, all the kids holler
All the children chase him, all the children shout.
To the windows above, "Mama, throw a nickel, and the man will
Pick a little tune we love..."
To the floors above, "Mother, toss a five-cent coin, and the man will play a melody that we enjoy..."
Open your heart, let the music in,
Be receptive, allow the music to come.
There goes the man with the mandolin!
The man with the mandolin is departing!
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: FRANK WELDON, JAMES CAVANAUGH, JOHN REDMOND
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Barry I. Grauman
Recorded on July 12, 1939.