Born over a fish and chip shop owned by her grandmother in Molesworth Street, Rochdale, Lancashire, she made her first stage appearance as a child in 1905. Her two sisters, Edith and Betty, and brother, Tommy, all went on to appear on stage, but Gracie was the most successful. Her professional debut in variety took place at the Rochdale Hippodrome theatre in 1910 and she soon gave up her job in the local cotton mill.
She met comedian Archie Pitt and they began working together. Pitt would come to serve as her manager and the two married in 1923. Their first revue in 1915 was called Yes I think so and the two continued to tour Britain together until 1922 in the revue Mr Tower of London.
Her most famous song, which became her theme, "Sally," was worked into the title of her first cinema film, Sally in Our Alley (1931), which was a major box office hit. She went on to make several films initially in Britain and later in the United States (for which she was paid a record fee of US$200,000 for four films), despite never performing without a live audience.
Ironically, the final few lines of the song 'Sally' were written by her husband's mistress, and Gracie sang this song at nearly every performance she made from 1931 onwards.
Donkey Serenade
Gracie Fields Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ah (ooh)
There's a song in the air
But the fair senorita doesn't seem to care
For the song in the air
Oh, he'll sing to the mule
If you're sure she won't think that he is just a fool
Amigo mio, does she not have a dainty bray?
She listens carefully to each little tune he plays
Si, si, mi muchachito
She'd love to sing it too if only she knew the way
Try as she may, in her voice there's a flaw
And all that the lady can say
Is hee-haw
Senorita, donkey's feet are
Not so fleet as a mosquito
But so sweet like my chiquita
You're the one for me
The lyrics to Gracie Fields's song "Donkey Serenade" evoke vivid images of a lovestruck musician serenading a stubborn and indifferent donkey. The song opens with the plaintive cries of the singer, as he sets the scene for his amorous intentions. He sings of a song in the air, but the fair senorita doesn't seem to care for his musical offerings. Instead, he decides to switch his attention to the mule, which he serenades in the hopes of winning her heart.
The lyrics of the second paragraph reveal the frustration and comedic charm of this scene, as the singer implores the donkey to sing along with him. He tries to persuade his friend that the donkey has a dainty bray and that she would be receptive to his seductive songs. However, despite his best efforts, the donkey only brays out its distinctive "hee-haw" in response. The singer is persistent, however, and continues to praise the donkey's sweet disposition and proclaim his attraction to her.
Overall, "Donkey Serenade" is a whimsical and lighthearted tune that captures the comedy and romance of a traditional serenade. The lyrics are playful and engaging, and the melody is sweet and catchy. It's a classic song that has stood the test of time, and it remains a favorite among fans of vintage music to this day.
Line by Line Meaning
There's a song in the air
There is a tune being sung
But the fair senorita doesn't seem to care
However, the lady is not paying attention
For the song in the air
She is not interested in the melody
Oh, he'll sing to the mule
He will sing to the donkey
If you're sure she won't think that he is just a fool
Assuming she won't take it as nonsense
Serenading a mule
Singing a song to an animal
Amigo mio, does she not have a dainty bray?
My friend, does she not have a charming call?
She listens carefully to each little tune he plays
She pays close attention to every note he sings
Si, si, mi muchachito
Yes, yes, my little performer
She'd love to sing it too if only she knew the way
She would also like to sing if only she knew how
Try as she may, in her voice there's a flaw
Despite her attempts, her voice is not perfect
And all that the lady can say
The lady can only express
Is hee-haw
By making the sound of a donkey
Senorita, donkey's feet are
Madam, the donkey's legs are
Not so fleet as a mosquito
Not as quick as a mosquito
But so sweet like my chiquita
But still adorable like my sweetheart
You're the one for me
You are the one I desire
Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Chet Forrest, Rudolf Friml, Herbert Stothart, Bob Wright
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@gf1001
An unusual recording for Gracie, but nice well done for uploading this.