Glenn Miller compiled several musical arrangements and formed his first ban… Read Full Bio ↴Glenn Miller compiled several musical arrangements and formed his first band in 1937. The band failed to distinguish itself from the many others of the era, and eventually broke up. Benny Goodman said in 1976, "In late 1937, before his band became popular, we were both playing in Dallas. Glenn was pretty dejected and came to see me. He asked, 'What do you do? How do you make it?' I said, 'I don't know, Glenn. You just stay with it."

In September 1938, the Miller band began making recordings for the RCA Victor Bluebird Records subsidiary. In the spring of 1939, the band's fortunes improved with a date at the Meadowbrook Ballroom in Cedar Grove, New Jersey, and more dramatically at the Glen Island Casino in New Rochelle, New York. With the Glen Island date, the band began a huge rise in popularity. In 1939, Time magazine noted: "Of the twelve to 24 discs in each of today's 300,000 U.S. jukeboxes, from two to six are usually Glenn Miller's." There were record-breaking recordings such as "Tuxedo Junction", which sold 115,000 copies in the first week. 1939's huge success culminated with the Miller band in concert at Carnegie Hall on October 6, with Paul Whiteman, Benny Goodman, and Fred Waring also the main attractions.

From 1939 to 1942, Miller's band was featured three times a week during a broadcast for Chesterfield cigarettes, originally with the Andrews Sisters and then on its own. On February 10, 1942, RCA Victor presented Miller with the first gold record for "Chattanooga Choo-Choo". "Chattanooga Choo Choo" was performed by the Miller orchestra with his singers Gordon "Tex" Beneke, Paula Kelly and the vocal group, the Modernaires. Other singers with this orchestra included Marion Hutton, Skip Nelson, Ray Eberle and to a smaller extent, Kay Starr, Ernie Caceres, Dorothy Claire and Jack Lathrop. Pat Friday ghost sang with the Miller band in Sun Valley Serenade and Orchestra Wives with Lynn Bari lip synching.

Helpless
Glenn Miller & His Orchestra Lyrics

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Helpless, when I'm with you
I'm helpless, what can I do,
When you're near me I'm dumb
My heart's become
Helpless
Helpless, at your command
I'm helpless, please understand
I can never be free

I'm all at sea
Helpless
There are words that I should speak now
But I can't seem to start
You are near and I'm so weak now
Oh, why can't I speak with my heart...
I'm helpless, I love you so
It's hopeless, if you should go
I'd be helpless I fear

Don't leave me here
Helpless...!

Overall Meaning

In Glenn Miller & His Orchestra's song "Helpless," the lyrics convey a sense of vulnerability and powerlessness in the presence of someone the singer loves deeply. The word "helpless" is repeated throughout the song to emphasize this feeling, with the singer acknowledging that they are unable to control their emotions or actions when the object of their affection is nearby. The lyrics suggest that the singer longs to express their love, but feels unable to do so, leaving them feeling weak and at the mercy of their emotions.

The singer's desperation is underscored by the line, "There are words that I should speak now, but I can't seem to start," which suggests that the singer is struggling to find the courage to express their feelings. The chorus, "I'm helpless, I love you so, it's hopeless if you should go, I'd be helpless, I fear, don't leave me here, helpless..." repeats the word "helpless" once more, as the singer pleads with their lover not to leave them, recognizing that they would be unable to cope without them.

HelplessGlenn Miller & His Orchestra Lyrics

Helpless
Glenn Miller & His Orchestra Lyrics