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 Been A Long Long Time
Harry James Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Standing here so close to me
There's so much I feel that I should say
But words can wait until some other day
Kiss me once, then kiss me twice
Then kiss me once again
It's been a long, long time
Since I can't remember when
It's been a long, long time
You'll never know how many dreams
I've dreamed about you
Or just how empty they all seemed without you
So kiss me once, then kiss me twice
Then kiss me once again
It's been a long, long time
The song "It's Been a Long Long Time" was written by Jule Styne (music) and Sammy Cahn (lyrics), and was popularized by Harry James' big band in the mid-1940s. The song's lyrics describe a long-anticipated reunion between two lovers who have been separated for a long time. The singer implores their partner to kiss them once, twice, and then once again, emphasizing the emotional intensity of their feelings in the moment.
The phrase "It's been a long long time" is repeated throughout the song and serves as a nostalgic refrain that underscores the length of time since the lovers have seen each other. The singer also admits that they have been dreaming about their partner and feeling empty without them. The song's romantic tone and themes of patience and longing made it a popular choice for couples separated by the Second World War.
While the song is primarily associated with Harry James and his orchestra, it has also been covered by a range of other artists, including Bing Crosby and Louis Armstrong. In addition, the song has appeared in numerous films and television shows over the years.
Line by Line Meaning
Kiss me once, then kiss me twice
Give me your affection in a way that I cannot resist
Then kiss me once again.
I cannot get enough of your physical attention
It's been a long, long time.
I have missed your presence in my life for an extended period
Haven't felt like this, my dear
The emotions you evoke in me are rare and special
Since I can't remember when.
I am unable to recall the last time I had such intense feelings
You'll never know how many dreams
My imagination has been filled with thoughts of you
I've dreamed about you.
My unconscious mind is consumed by my desire for you
Or just how empty they all seemed without you.
Life feels incomplete and dull without your companionship
So kiss me once, then kiss me twice
I need your physical affection to fill the void you left
It's been a long, long time.
I long for the connection we once had
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Jule Styne, Sammy Cahn
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@DanoGfx
Never thought that you would be
standing here so close to me
there's so much I feel that I should say
but words can wait until some other day
Kiss me once, then kiss me twice
Then kiss me once again
It's been a long, long time
Haven't felt like this, my dear
Since I can't remember when
It's been a long, long time
You'll never know how many dreams
I've dreamed about you
Or just how empty they all seemed without you
So kiss me once, then kiss me twice
Then kiss me once again
It's been a long, long time
@bridgetkennedy4291
A kid on IG made the trumpet noise to match a sunset. Thanks kid, didn't know I needed this until now
@bromanpeary3288
Ayo me too but on TikTok 😂
@frankde9445
fr
@briannac3909
Came from same vid haha
@basaksomething2582
Add me into the list
@rochakniraula891
I will need to check the privacy policy after this one
@unclebobs90
That kid and the sunset. He nailed it.
@samuelwilson2614
True
@sethsalinas7352
Glad ain't the only one
here because of that video
@bennygoodmanisgod
Lol I know what video you’re talking about. The boy has talent