Lombardo formed The Royal Canadians in 1924 with his brothers Carmen Lombardo, Lebert Lombardo, and Victor Lombardo and other musicians from his hometown. Lombardo led the group to international success, billing themselves as creating "The Sweetest Music This Side of Heaven." The Lombardos are believed to have sold between 100 and 300 million phonograph records during their lifetimes.
The Band Played On
Guy Lombardo Lyrics
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And the band played on.
He'd glide 'cross the floor with the girl he adored,
And the band played on.
But his brain was so loaded it nearly exploded
The poor girl would shake with alarm.
He'd ne'er leave the girl with the strawberry curls,
And the band played on.
The lyrics of Guy Lombardo's "The Band Played On" tell the story of a man named Casey who was a regular dance partner with a strawberry blonde. They would waltz together and glide across the dance floor to the beautiful melody of the band playing on. Despite the joyous occasion, Casey's heavy drinking habit had taken a toll on him. His brain was so loaded with alcohol that it could not take it anymore, and he would nearly explode with drunkenness.
The poor girl with whom he danced would shake with alarm, but Casey would never leave her alone. She had beautiful strawberry curls, and the band played on. The song's lyrics portray a sad tale of a man's destructive addiction and the impact it has on those around him. The band playing on seems to symbolize how life goes on, and people carry on their customary habits, even when someone is struggling with addiction.
Line by Line Meaning
Casey would waltz with the strawberry blonde
Casey enjoyed dancing with a woman with strawberry blonde hair
And the band played on.
The music continued to play in the background
He'd glide 'cross the floor with the girl he adored,
Casey would smoothly dance across the floor with the woman he loved
And the band played on.
The music continued to play in the background
But his brain was so loaded it nearly exploded
However, he was extremely intoxicated
The poor girl would shake with alarm.
The woman would tremble, fearful of Casey's state
He'd ne'er leave the girl with the strawberry curls,
Despite his condition, Casey refused to leave the woman with curly strawberry blonde hair
And the band played on.
The music continued to play in the background
Writer(s): Frey, John Palmer, Charles Ward
Contributed by Austin W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Crohns_journey
As a strawberry blonde, I highly approve. 👏👏👏
@robertsavedbygrace
I used to play this song on my grandma's player piano when I was 8 years old. That was 60 years ago!
@lennylenn4009
Love love...love 1920' 30's and 40's music. If no one has seen the movie this song is featured in its called The Strawberry Blonde.
@badreality2
This song is featured in the movie Strangers on a Train as a carousel melody.
@begs54
" The sweetest music this side of heaven"... Guy Lombardo
@hallson2917
What a nice song ❣
@jodeanesullens6588
One of my favorite movies. I watch it everytime I find it.
@andrjsh
We just finished watching --What a gem.
@lorenheard2561
My Grandparrents loved this music!!! Anyone here ever remember: " The clock was striking 12' o clock,it smiled on us below,with folded hands it seemed to say" I'll miss you,if you go...". " Lyrics to one of the songs played by Guy Lombardo and his Royal Canadiens!?
@jeanninebaikie7551
Love that old song!