Harry James was born in Albany, Georgia, the son of a bandleader of a traveling circus. By age 10 he was taking trumpet lessons from his father. His father had him on a very strict practicing schedule every day. He was given one page to learn out of the Arban's book (a trumpet drill book) every day and could not do anything until he learned that page.
In 1931 the family settled in Beaumont, Texas and James began playing with local dance bands. James joined the nationally popular Ben Pollack in 1935. At the start of 1937 he left Pollack to join Benny Goodman's orchestra, where he stayed through 1938.
In February of 1939 Harry James debuted his own big band in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He continued touring with the band into the 1980s. His was the first "name band" to employ vocalist Frank Sinatra, in 1939. In 1943 he married actress Betty Grable.
His first wife was ex B.Goodman singer.,Louise Tobin.
You can hear his trumpet playing in the 1950 film Young Man with a Horn, dubbing Kirk Douglas. His recording of "I'm Beginning to See the Light" appears in the motion picture My Dog Skip (2000). James recorded many popular records and appeared in many Hollywood movies.
In 1983, James was diagnosed with lymphatic cancer, but he continued to work, playing his last professional job on 26 June 1983 in Los Angeles just nine days before his death in Las Vegas, Nevada.
It’s Funny To Everyone But Me
Harry James Lyrics
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It's funny to everyone but me.
(It's the talk of the town)
They told me this would happen, now they're laughing secretly,
It's funny to everyone but me.
(gosh, he's crying again)
I should shrug my shoulders and say, good riddance to a bad affair,
But how can I do, but my head tells me to,
It's so funny I still love you, it's the joke of the century,
It's funny to everyone but me.
(I got the right to think of you)
It's so funny I still love you, it's the joke of the century,
Ah but it's funny to everyone but me.
The lyrics of "It's Funny To Everyone But Me" tell a story of heartbreak and the struggle to move on after being left behind. The singer is dealing with the sudden loss of a love that was once so strong, but has now disappeared. The song starts with the observation of how strange it is that the affection felt before could disappear so quickly, leaving everyone bewildered except for the singer. The situation has become the talk of the town, and people are keeping it a secret that they are amused by his pain.
The singer battles with his conflicting thoughts and emotions as he contemplates what his next move should be. While he should be happy to end this bad affair, his heart tells him otherwise. He is holding onto the love he had for his partner and is resistant to letting go. The singer continues to love the person who left, and this is now the joke of the century for everyone but him. He is still thinking about this person despite everyone and everything else suggesting it is time to move on.
This song's poignant lyrics are enhanced by the slow, soulful tune Harry James His Orchestra uses with exquisite trumpet solos that bring out the emotions portrayed by the singer. Overall the song conveys a sadness that people deal with when they lose romance suddenly and cannot let go of the past.
Line by Line Meaning
It's funny how you loved me, then forgot so suddenly
I find it ironic how you used to love me, and then out of nowhere, you forgot about me completely.
It's funny to everyone but me
Others find this situation amusing, but I am still hurt by it.
(It's the talk of the town)
People are gossiping about our relationship woes.
They told me this would happen, now they're laughing secretly
Others warned me that this would happen, and now they are snickering behind my back.
(gosh, he's crying again)
Others are aware of my emotional state and may feel sympathetic or judgmental.
I should shrug my shoulders and say, good riddance to a bad affair
I contemplate moving on and accepting that this relationship was not meant to be.
But how can I do, but my head tells me to, when my heart tells me how much I care?
I struggle to move on logically, but emotionally I cannot let go of the love I still feel for you.
It's so funny I still love you, it's the joke of the century
It's comical to think that I am still in love with you despite everything that has happened.
(I got the right to think of you)
I am entitled to my feelings and thoughts about you, regardless of how ridiculous they may seem.
Ah but it's funny to everyone but me
Although others may find humor in my situation, I am still hurting and cannot see the humor in it.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DAVE FRANKLIN, ISHAM JONES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jan Procházka
on All or Nothing at All
trumpet boogie