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.
Nice Work If You Can Get It
Harry James Lyrics
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Lives a life that isn't necessarily sunny
Likewise the man who works for fame
There's no guarantee that time won't erase his name
The fact is, the only work that really brings enjoyment
Is the kind that is for girl and boy meant
Fall in love and you won't regret it
Holding hands at midnight
'Neath a starry sky
Nice work if you can get it
And you can get it if you try
Strolling with the one girl
Sighing sigh after sigh
Nice work if you can get it
And you can get it if you try
Just imagine someone
Waiting at the cottage door
Where two hearts become one
Who could ask for anything more?
Loving one who loves you
And then taking that vow
It's nice work if you can get it
And if you get it, won't you tell me how?"
Just imagine someone
Waiting at the cottage door
Where two hearts become one
Who could ask for anything more?
Loving one who loves you
And then taking that vow
Nice work if you can get it
And if you get it, won't you tell me how?"
In "Nice Work If You Can Get It," Harry James reflects on the pursuit of money and fame and suggests that the only work that truly brings joy and fulfillment is love. He highlights how the pursuit of wealth can be disillusioning, as there is no guarantee of happiness or lasting impact. Similarly, those who work for fame may find that their names are easily forgotten with the passage of time. James implies that true happiness lies in romantic love, emphasizing the importance of falling in love and cherishing that connection without any regret.
The lyrics paint a picture of romantic bliss, as James describes holding hands at midnight under a starry sky and strolling with a loved one, sighing with contentment. He suggests that finding love and sharing a deep connection with someone is the ultimate "work" that can bring fulfillment and satisfaction. The imagery of someone waiting at the cottage door symbolizes the anticipation and excitement of being welcomed by a loved one, where two hearts become one. James concludes by asking for instructions on how to achieve such love, implying that finding and maintaining true love requires effort and perseverance.
Line by Line Meaning
The man who only lives for making money
A person who prioritizes earning money above all else
Lives a life that isn't necessarily sunny
Their life may not be filled with happiness and contentment
Likewise the man who works for fame
Similarly, someone who strives solely for fame
There's no guarantee that time won't erase his name
There is no assurance that their name will be remembered over time
The fact is, the only work that really brings enjoyment
In reality, the only work that truly brings happiness
Is the kind that is for girl and boy meant
Is the type of work meant for love and companionship
Fall in love and you won't regret it
When you experience love, you won't feel remorse
That's the best work of all, if you can get it
That is the most fulfilling work of all, if you can find it
Holding hands at midnight
Grasping each other's hands in the middle of the night
'Neath a starry sky
Underneath a sky filled with stars
Nice work if you can get it
It is a pleasant experience if you manage to achieve it
And you can get it if you try
And it is possible to attain it if you put in effort
Strolling with the one girl
Walking leisurely with the special person
Sighing sigh after sigh
Releasing contented sighs repeatedly
Just imagine someone
Consider the idea of having someone
Waiting at the cottage door
Anticipating your arrival at the cottage entrance
Where two hearts become one
Where two individuals deeply in love unite
Who could ask for anything more?
Who would desire anything additional?
Loving one who loves you
Being in a reciprocal love relationship
And then taking that vow
And making a promise to each other
Nice work if you can get it
It is a wonderful experience if you manage to achieve it
And if you get it, won't you tell me how?
And if you succeed, could you please share how you did it?
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jan Procházka
on All or Nothing at All
trumpet boogie