In 1930-31, Arnheim had an extended engagement at the Coconut Grove in Los Angeles. When Paul Whiteman finished filming The King of Jazz for Universal, The Rhythm Boys vocal trio, consisting of Bing Crosby, Harry Barris and Al Rinker decided to stay in California and they signed up with Arnheim's band. While the Rhythm Boys only recorded one song with Arnheim, "Them There Eyes", which also happened to be The Rhythm Boys final recording, Arnheim's Orchestra backed Crosby on a number of songs released by Victor Records in 1931. These popular records, coupled with Arnheim's radio broadcasts featuring Crosby's solo vocals, were a key element to the beginning of Crosby's popularity as a crooner.
In 1919 three men who all would become famous band leaders played together at the Sunset Inn in Santa Monica, California. Arnheim played piano, Abe Lyman played the drums, and Henry Halstead played violin.
Lies
Gus Arnheim and His Orchestra Lyrics
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When love lies comes from one as sweet as you,
I know I'm not an angel, dear,
But when you say that I am,
How I love to hear you.
Tell me, are you thrilled each time we meet,
And tell me, how I sweep you off your feet,
Although I don't believe a word,
The lyrics of the song "Lies" by Gus Arnheim and His Orchestra speak to the power of love and the tendency for people in love to believe even the most unbelievable things their partners may say. The opening lines suggest that love lies have a certain quality that makes them seem true, especially when they come from someone as sweet as the person being addressed in the song. The singer acknowledges that they are not perfect, but takes pleasure in hearing their partner describe them in glowing terms. They then ask if their partner is as thrilled to see them as they themselves are, and marvel at the extent to which their partner is swept off their feet. Despite feeling like they're not entirely truthful, the singer admits that these love lies are the sweetest ones they've ever heard.
It's interesting to note the way that the lyrics evoke the idea of lying and deceit while still suggesting that these falsehoods are somehow acceptable or even desirable when they come from a person you love. The song seems to celebrate the power of infatuation and the way that it can make us see the best in others, even when that perspective may not be entirely grounded in reality. Furthermore, the song's use of instrumentation and melody creates a lush, dreamy atmosphere that reinforces this sense of enchantment and romantic fantasy.
Line by Line Meaning
Love lies have a way of sounding true,
False statements of affection often have a convincing tone.
When love lies comes from one as sweet as you,
Even though I know you're not truthful, I want to believe what you say because you have a pleasing demeanor.
I know I'm not an angel, dear,
I'm aware that I'm not perfect, my flaws are not hidden from me.
But when you say that I am,
When you compliment me by saying that I'm angelic, it boosts my ego.
How I love to hear you.
I feel content when you flatter me.
Tell me, are you thrilled each time we meet,
Are you excited to see me every time we meet?
And tell me, how I sweep you off your feet,
Do I have a captivating effect on you?
Although I don't believe a word,
Even though I know that what you're saying is not true,
They're the sweetest love lies that I have ever heard.
Your lies are expressed in such a pleasant way that I can't help but find them endearing.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: RALPH FREED, JOSEPH MEYER, CARL SIGMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind