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).
Zing a Little Zong
Helen O'connell Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I know we're not beside the Zuider Zee
But when you're zittin' by the zide of me,
I want to zing a little zong.
Zing zome zentimental melody
About a chapel or an apple tree
About a couple living happily
This ain't the zeason for getting' kinda zilly
You really are a dolly, a dolly and a dilly
You got a reason to cuddle kinda close to me
And we can do a very clever piece of close harmony
Oh! Zing, zing, zing it's getting late my pet
We've got a most important date to zet
I'm sure that we will make a great duet
And we can zing a little love zong all night long.
The song "Zing A Little Zong" by Helen O'Connell is a playful and lighthearted tune with a catchy melody that invites the listener to join in and "zing" along. The lyrics are full of whimsical wordplay with the use of "z" sounds throughout the song. The first verse sets the scene for a romantic moment between two people, sitting close together and wanting to sing a happy tune. The second verse suggests singing a sentimental melody, perhaps one that tells the story of love or happiness, and the singer is happy to sing along.
The third verse is more playful, with the line "This ain't the zeason for getting' kinda zilly" indicating that while the song is meant to be fun, it's not a time for foolishness. The singer compliments the other person, calling them a "dolly" and a "dilly," and suggests they cuddle up for a clever piece of close harmony. The final verse is a fitting conclusion to the song, as the two people are ready to go on a date and sing a love song all night long.
Overall, "Zing A Little Zong" is a fun and entertaining song that encourages the listener to join in and enjoy the playful wordplay and upbeat melody.
Line by Line Meaning
Zing, Zing, Zing a little Zong with me
Come along and sing a fun and lively song with me.
I know we're not beside the Zuider Zee
I understand that we may not be in the most ideal or romantic location.
But when you're zittin' by the zide of me,
However, when we get to sit next to each other,
I want to zing a little zong.
I want to sing a happy song together.
Zing zome zentimental melody
Let's now sing a sweet and emotional tune.
About a chapel or an apple tree
Something that may remind us of our beautiful surroundings, we can sing about love or nature.
About a couple living happily
We can also sing about a happy couple living a blissful life.
And I'll be glad to zing along
I'll happily join you in singing in harmony.
This ain't the zeason for getting' kinda zilly
We both know it's not a time to be foolish or silly.
You really are a dolly, a dolly and a dilly
But you're lovely, charming and delightful.
You got a reason to cuddle kinda close to me
You have a valid reason to snuggle up a bit closer to me.
And we can do a very clever piece of close harmony
We can create beautiful and clever harmony together.
Oh! Zing, zing, zing it's getting late my pet
Oh! Time flies when we're having fun, my love.
We've got a most important date to zet
We have a special and important evening planned.
I'm sure that we will make a great duet
I'm confident that we'll perform well together.
And we can zing a little love zong all night long.
And we can sing lovely and romantic songs all night long.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: HARRY WARREN, LEO ROBIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Mia Hess Music
What a delightful song!!! Thanks, Crooner! I found a lead sheet for it but wanted to hear it! I know Bing did it.....
Andrew of the Alps
That 1 dislike must be zomeone who can't zing