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.
Moon Love
Harry James Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Will you be gone when the dawn comes stealing through?
Are these just moon dreams, grand while the moon beams?
But when the moon fades away, will my dreams come true?
Much as I love you, don't let me love you.
If I must pay for your kiss with lonely tears, say it's not moon love.
Tell me it's true, say you'll be mine when the moon disappears.
The lyrics to Harry James's song "Moon Love" depict a sense of uncertainty and longing in a romantic relationship. The singer questions if their love will endure beyond the enchanting moment of moonlight. They wonder if this connection is merely a temporary illusion, like moonlight dreams, which might vanish when reality sets in. The singer expresses their deep love for the other person but also fears the potential heartbreak that could come with it. They plead for reassurance, asking their lover not to let them fall too deeply if they cannot reciprocate the same level of commitment. The singer hopes that their love will not be confined to the fleeting beauty of the moon but will continue when the darkness fades and the moon disappears.
Overall, these lyrics convey a bittersweet sentiment, where the singer desires a love that can withstand the test of time and transcend the ephemeral nature of moonlight.
Line by Line Meaning
Will this be moon love, nothing but moon love,
Is this love only temporary, like the fleeting beauty of the moon?
Will you be gone when the dawn comes stealing through?
Will you leave me when daylight arrives, abandoning our love like a thief in the night?
Are these just moon dreams, grand while the moon beams?
Are these dreams of love only illusions, appearing magnificent under the moonlight?
But when the moon fades away, will my dreams come true?
But when the enchantment of the moon wanes, will my dreams of love become a reality?
Much as I love you, don't let me love you.
Although I love you deeply, protect me from loving you completely.
If I must pay for your kiss with lonely tears, say it's not moon love.
If my affection for you brings only sorrow, please assure me that it is not a fleeting infatuation.
Tell me it's true, say you'll be mine when the moon disappears.
Assure me that our love is genuine and that you will remain devoted to me even when the moon no longer shines.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ANDRE KOSTELANETZ, MACK DAVIS, MACK DAVID
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jan Procházka
on All or Nothing at All
trumpet boogie