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.
Serenade in Blue
Harry James Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm somewhere in another world, alone with you
Sharing all the joys we used to know
Many moons ago
Once again your face comes back to me
Just like the theme of some forgotten melody
In the album of my memory
It seems like only yesterday
The small cafe, a crowded floor
And as we danced the night away
I hear you say forever more
And then the song became a sigh
Forever more became goodbye
Cause you remained in my heart, but
Tell me darling in there still a spark?
Or only lonely ashes of the flame we knew
Should I go on whistling in the dark,
Serenade in blue
The lyrics to Harry James & His Musicmakers’ song ‘Serenade in Blue’ express a sense of nostalgia and longing for a lost love. The singer of the song is transported to a different world whenever they hear the titular serenade, a melody that reminds them of happier times spent with their former partner. The lyrics evoke a vivid image of the past, with the singer remembering the small cafe where they used to dance together, and the bittersweet moment when their partner said ‘forever more’ - a promise that was ultimately broken.
The song uses metaphor and analogy to express the singer’s emotions. The serenade is compared to an album in the singer’s memory, and their partner’s face comes back to them ‘like the theme of some forgotten melody’. The imagery of ‘whistling in the dark’ is particularly poignant, suggesting that the singer is clinging to the hope that their former partner might still have feelings for them, even though they know it may be a futile gesture. Overall, ‘Serenade in Blue’ is a beautifully crafted and emotionally resonant song that captures the heartache of lost love.
Line by Line Meaning
When I hear that Serenade in blue
Upon hearing this melody, I am transported to an alternate reality where I'm alone with you.
I'm somewhere in another world, alone with you
The music brings about a feeling of seclusion as I am consumed by thoughts of you.
Sharing all the joys we used to know
During this moment, memories of past happiness shared with you resurface.
Many moons ago
These memories stem from a time long past.
Once again your face comes back to me
Your face is reminiscent of a lost melody that is now making its return to me.
Just like the theme of some forgotten melody
Your image is akin to the recurring theme of a faded, forgotten melody.
In the album of my memory
My mind is akin to a photo album wherein memories are stored and recalled.
Serenade in blue
The melody responsible for evoking these bittersweet memories.
It seems like only yesterday
Despite the passage of time, these memories remain vivid in my mind.
The small cafe, a crowded floor
The physical setting in which these memories were formed.
And as we danced the night away
A joyous moment in which we waltzed through the night, free of care.
I hear you say forever more
Your words of infinite devotion still echo in my mind.
And then the song became a sigh
The melody that once enthralled us has become a mere whisper.
Forever more became goodbye
Sadly, our love was not meant to last forever.
Cause you remained in my heart, but
While you no longer have a physical presence in my life, my heart still belongs to you.
Tell me darling in there still a spark?
Despite everything, I am still left wondering if there is still a chance for us to rekindle our love.
Or only lonely ashes of the flame we knew
Perhaps all that remains between us are the remnants of a once-burning passion.
Should I go on whistling in the dark,
Am I foolish to hold onto this dream of us reuniting, even when facing uncertainty?
Serenade in blue
The melody remains as hauntingly beautiful as it has always been, holding deep meaning in my heart.
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Harry Warren, Mack Gordon
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@DreamingCasually213
I love Harry James' music and this is no exception. What a beautiful version of "Serenade in Blue." Another song I absolutely adore. Just like you!
@hansmartensson1256
Yes, he's absolutely the greatest. I believe I have all his recordings on discs. His virtuous tone, the arrangements of the melodies with such an orchestrating perfection.