Guy Mitchell (27 February 1927 - 1 July 1999) was born Albert George Cernik… Read Full Bio ↴Guy Mitchell (27 February 1927 - 1 July 1999) was born Albert George Cernik, son of immigrants from Croatia, in Detroit, Michigan, USA. At the age of 11, he was signed by Warner Brothers Pictures, to be groomed as a child star, and he also performed on the radio on Station KFWB in Los Angeles, California. After leaving school, he worked as a saddle-maker, but supplemented his income by singing whenever he could. At this point in his life, Dude Martin, who had a country music broadcast in San Francisco, noticed him and hired him to perform with his band. He served in the United States Navy for two years, and after leaving the service became a singer with Carmen Cavallaro's big band. In 1947 he made some recordings for Decca with Cavallaro's band, but had to leave due to a case of food poisoning. He eventually went to New York City, and made several records for King Records under the name Al Grant. He won on Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts radio show during this time.

Mitch Miller, who was in charge of talent at Columbia Records, noted Cernik in 1950, and he joined Columbia and got his new stage name at Miller's urging: Miller is supposed to have said, "my name is 'Mitchell' and you seem a nice 'guy', so we'll call you Guy Mitchell."

His first hit "My Heart Cries for You" was in 1951. In the 1950s and 1960s he acted in movies as well as singing. He did movies with Teresa Brewer and Rosemary Clooney. In 1957 he had his own television show.

Though he is considered an average pop singer, many of his songs have a decided rock beat to them, including "Knee Deep in the Blues", "Heartaches By the Number", "Rock-a-Billy", "The Same Old Me" and his biggest hit, "Singing the Blues", which was number one for 10 weeks in 1956.

2007 would have been Guy's 80th birthday year and to commemorate this anniversary SONYBMG(UK) are to release a new CD "The Essential Collection". A tribute site has also been launched: http://www.agreatguy.net detailing his life and career as a recording artiste.

Side by Side
Guy Mitchell Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Oh, we ain't got a barrel of money,
Maybe we're ragged and funny
But we'll travel along
Singing a song
Side by side.

Don't know what's comin' tomorrow
Maybe it's trouble and sorrow

But we'll travel the road
Sharing our load
Side by side.

honey Through all kinds of weather
What if the sky should fall?
Just as long as we're together,
It doesn't matter at all.
When they've all had their quarrels and parted

We'll be the same as we started
Just a-traveling along
Singing a song
Side by side.

See that sun in the morning,
Peeking over the hill?
I'll bet you're sure it always has and sure it always will.
That's how I feel about someone,
How somebody feels about me.

We're sure we love each other
That's the way we'll always be.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Guy Mitchell’s song “Side By Side” express the power of companionship, unity and love between two people, regardless of their financial or physical status. The first stanza portrays the couple’s lack of prosperity, “we ain't got a barrel of money, maybe we're ragged and funny", but also highlights their togetherness, “we’ll travel along singing a song side by side”. The second verse acknowledges the uncertainty of the future, “don't know what's comin' tomorrow, maybe it's trouble and sorrow”, but sustains their mutual support, “we’ll travel the road sharing our load side by side”. The chorus emphasizes the couple’s resilience against any adversity or challenge, as long as they are with each other, “Through all kinds of weather, what if the sky should fall? Just as long as we're together, It doesn't matter at all”. Finally, the last verse celebrates the enduring love and commitment they have for one another, “I'll bet you're sure it always has and sure it always will. That's how I feel about someone, how somebody feels about me. We're sure we love each other, that’s the way we'll always be”.

“Side By Side” was originally written by Harry Woods in 1927 as a Vaudeville song, but it became immensely popular during the Depression Era, resonating with many people who were experiencing similar struggles as the song’s protagonists. The song was also a favorite during World War II and was often played at USO shows due to its optimistic message of loyalty and friendship. Other notable versions of the track include that of Judy Garland, Kay Starr, and Patsy Cline. Guy Mitchell’s rendition reached number 1 on the Billboard chart in 1953, and it was covered by several British artists, including Freddie and the Dreamers and the Beatles, who performed it during their Decca audition in 1962. Additionally, the song was featured in numerous films such as the Marx Brothers' “Room Service” (1938) and “The Blue Veil” (1949).

Line by Line Meaning

Oh, we ain't got a barrel of money,
We may not have a lot of money

Maybe we're ragged and funny
We might be a little rough around the edges

But we'll travel along
We'll keep moving forward

Singing a song
Filled with happiness, despite our circumstances

Side by side.
Together, every step of the way

Don't know what's comin' tomorrow
We can't predict the future

Maybe it's trouble and sorrow
It could be tough times ahead

But we'll travel the road
We'll keep going

Sharing our load
We'll support each other

Side by side.
Always together

Through all kinds of weather
No matter the circumstances