Helen O'Connell joined the Jimmy Dorsey band in 1939 and achieved her best selling records in the early forties with "Green Eyes", "Amapola", and "Tangerine". In each of these Latin-influenced numbers, Bob Eberly crooned the song which Helen then reprised in an up-tempo arrangement. Helen won the 1940 Metronome magazine poll for best female vocalist. She was one of the first "girls" on NBC's The Today Show, and at one point had her own television show.
Helen retired from show business upon her first marriage in 1943. Helen had four daughters and eight grandchildren. When the first marriage failed, she embarked on a solo career in 1951, achieving some chart success and becoming a regular television performer. Helen has married a total of four times.
She co-hosted the Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants with Bob Barker from 1972 to 1980.
In her last marriage, she was married to arranger/conductor/composer Frank De Vol when she died in San Diego, California from a battle with hepatitis C resulting in primary liver cancer (hepatoma).
Jim
Helen O'connell Lyrics
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when I could be out where the lights are bright?
It's all because of Jim, It's all because of Jim.
Why am i wasting these precious years?
Why am I crying these bitter tears?
It's all because of Jim, It's all because of Jim.
Jim doesn't ever bring me pretty flowers,
Don't know why I'm so crazy for Jim.
Jim never tells me I'm his hearts desire.
I never seem to set his love afire
Gone are the years I've wasted on him.
Sometimes when I get feeling low,
I say "Let's call it quits."
Then I hang on and let him go
Breaking my heart in bits.
Some day I know tht Jim will up and leave me,
But even if he does you can believe me,
I'll go on carrying the torch for Jim.
The lyrics of the song "Jim" by Helen O'Connell express the struggles of unrequited love. The singer is sitting alone in her room, lamenting the fact that she is not out enjoying the bright lights of the city. She blames her situation on Jim, the object of her affection, who never brings her flowers or tries to make her feel better when she is lonely. Despite this, however, the singer is still crazy for Jim and cannot seem to let go of her love for him.
The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "It's all because of Jim," emphasizing the hold he has over the singer's life. She wonders why she has wasted so many years on him, shedding bitter tears over a love that may never be reciprocated. Even though Jim does not seem to feel the same way about her, the singer is unwilling to give up on him. She acknowledges that he may leave her someday, but insists that she will continue to carry the torch for him.
Overall, "Jim" is a hauntingly beautiful song about the pain of unrequited love. The lyrics capture the heartache of holding onto a love that may never be returned, even as the singer acknowledges the futility of her situation. It is a moving portrayal of the power that love can hold over us, and the lengths we will go to in order to hold onto it.
Line by Line Meaning
Why am I sitting alone tonight,
I wonder why I am sitting by myself instead of going out where it's lively?
when I could be out where the lights are bright?
When I could go out and have fun and enjoy life under the bright lights of the city?
It's all because of Jim, It's all because of Jim.
All of this loneliness and missed opportunities is because of Jim.
Why am i wasting these precious years?
Why am I squandering my youth and time on someone who doesn't appreciate me?
Why am I crying these bitter tears?
Why am I shedding these sorrowful tears for someone who doesn't value my emotions?
Jim doesn't ever bring me pretty flowers,
Jim has never bothered to bring me beautiful flowers as a loving gesture.
Jim never tries to cheer my lonely hours,
Jim never attempts to keep me happy despite my feelings of loneliness.
Don't know why I'm so crazy for Jim.
I don't understand why I have such intense feelings for Jim despite his lack of affection towards me.
Jim never tells me I'm his hearts desire.
Jim never confesses that I am the one he loves and cherishes the most.
I never seem to set his love afire
I never have the power to ignite Jim's passion for me or in our relationship.
Gone are the years I've wasted on him.
I realize that I have spent years of my life for nothing on Jim.
Sometimes when I get feeling low,
At times when I am feeling sad,
I say "Let's call it quits."
I consider ending this unfulfilling relationship.
Then I hang on and let him go
But in the end, I always choose to keep holding onto Jim even if he's not worth it.
Breaking my heart in bits.
Even though it hurts me, I let Jim cause deep emotional pain to me.
Some day I know tht Jim will up and leave me,
One day I am certain that Jim will ultimately abandon me.
But even if he does you can believe me,
But even then, I know he will always hold a special place in my heart.
I'll go on carrying the torch for Jim.
I will always have affection for Jim and never let go of the spark between us.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
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