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.
My Heart Cries For You
Harry James Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Just a song at the start but it soon is a hymn to your grace
When the music swells, I'm touching your hand
It tells me you're standing near, and
At the sound of your voice, heaven opens its portals to me
Can I help but rejoice that a song such as ours came to be
But I always knew I would live life through
But I always knew I would live life through
With a song in my heart for you
The lyrics of Harry James’s “My Heart Cries for You” is a testament to the power of music in bringing two people together. It begins with a simple song that soon transcends into a hymn of love and admiration for the person in front of him. The swelling of the music signifies the growing intensity of their connection, and the touch of their hands confirms their proximity. The sound of the beloved’s voice opens up the gates of heaven for him and brings a sense of joy and gratitude. The song speaks of how the power of music and love can fill one’s heart and soul, and it is a testament to the enduring nature of love that can withstand the test of time.
The lyrics are reflective of the time period during which it was written, the 1950s, and it reflects the values and emotions associated with the postwar era. The song quickly became a hit, and it reached the top of the charts in 1951, showcasing the popularity of the crooning style of music that Harry James was known for. “My Heart Cries for You” is a romantic ballad that has been covered by several other artists and has been a popular staple in the American Songbook. In the end, the song is a beautiful ode to the power of music and the emotions it can evoke.
Line by Line Meaning
With a song in my heart, I behold your adorable face
As I look at you, I cannot help but feel a song in my heart that celebrates your beauty and wonder.
Just a song at the start but it soon is a hymn to your grace
Although it begins as just a simple melody, this song I feel in my heart transforms into a beautiful hymn that worships your elegance and charm.
When the music swells, I'm touching your hand
As the music reaches a crescendo, I feel a connection between us and I reach out to touch your hand.
It tells me you're standing near, and
The warmth that I feel when I touch your hand lets me know that you are close by and that I am not alone.
At the sound of your voice, heaven opens its portals to me
When I hear you speak, it is as though the gates of heaven open up and I am transported to a higher realm of existence.
Can I help but rejoice that a song such as ours came to be
I cannot contain my happiness that this song, which celebrates our love, has come into existence.
But I always knew I would live life through
No matter what life may bring, I always knew that I would find meaning and purpose by having this song in my heart that celebrates my love for you.
With a song in my heart for you
This song, which celebrates the beauty and wonder of our love, will always be in my heart and will guide and inspire me throughout my life.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ROBIN SPIELBERG, RICHARD RODGERS, LORENZ HART
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Tyler Hill
Thank you Mr. Par-Due, I've been looking for this! 😊🎺
Chuck Par-Due
Glad you found it Tyler!
Neen Lee
Oh chuck I love your choice in music. Xo
Chuck Par-Due
Thanks for listening!
anna h
Mine too 😚