Born in Los Angeles, California, Alpert began trumpet lessons at about the age of eight and played at dances as a teenager. Acquiring an early wire recorder in high school, he experimented with recording on this crude equipment. After graduating from Fairfax High School in 1952, he joined the U.S. Army and frequently performed at military ceremonies. After his service in the Army, Alpert tried his hand at acting, but eventually settled on pursuing a career in music. While attending the University of Southern California in the 1950s, he was a member of the USC Trojan Marching Band for two years. He graduated with a BM in 1954.
In 1957, Alpert teamed up with Lou Adler, another burgeoning lyricist, as a songwriter for Keen Records. A number of songs written or co-written by Alpert during the following two years became top twenty hits, including "Baby Talk" by Jan and Dean, "Wonderful World" by Sam Cooke, and "Alley-Oop" by The Hollywood Argyles and by Dante and The Evergreens. In 1960, Alpert began his recording career as a vocalist at RCA Records under the name of Dore Alpert, where he recorded early vocals.
"Tell It To The Birds" was recorded as the first release on the Alpert & Moss label, Carnival Records. When Herb & Jerry found that there was prior usage of the Carnival name, their label became A&M Records.
More information on the band can be found at: http://www.tijuanabrass.com/herb-alpert-faq/
Tennessee Waltz
Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass Lyrics
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When an old friend I happened to meet
I introduced her to my darlin' and while they were dancin'
My friend stole my sweetheart from me
I remember the night and the Tennessee Waltz
I'm know now just what I have lost
Yes, I've lost my little darlin'
I remember the night and the Tennessee Waltz
I'm know now just what I have lost
Yes, I've lost my little darlin'
The night they were playin' the beautiful Tennessee Waltz
Oh, the beautiful Tennessee Waltz
The lyrics of Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass's song Tennessee Waltz tell a story of lost love and betrayal. The song begins by describing a beautiful moment between two dance partners who are enjoying each other's company while swirling to the waltz's rhythm. However, the song quickly takes a sad turn when the singer's old friend arrives and steals his "little darlin'" away from him. The singer is left reminiscing about the night and the beautiful Tennessee Waltz, but the memory is bittersweet due to the loss of his love.
The song's lyrics effectively communicate the pain of betrayal and lost love that many listeners can relate to. The singer's poetic descriptions of the beautiful waltz and his lost love enhance the nostalgic and melancholy mood of the song. The lyrics also hint at the fragility of love and how someone or something can easily come and disrupt a once-perfect moment, leaving behind only the painful memories and a brokenhearted soul.
Line by Line Meaning
I was dancin' with my darlin' to the Tennessee Waltz
I was dancing with my sweetheart to this classic, romantic ballroom dance.
When an old friend I happened to meet
Then I randomly ran into an old friend.
I introduced her to my darlin' and while they were dancin'
I introduced my friend to my sweetheart and while they were dancing together,
My friend stole my sweetheart from me
My friend took my sweetheart away from me, which made me sad.
I remember the night and the Tennessee Waltz
I can still clearly recall that one evening when we danced to the Tennessee Waltz
I'm know now just what I have lost
Now I realize what I've lost:
Yes, I've lost my little darlin'
I've lost my beloved sweetheart who was very dear to me.
The night they were playin' the beautiful Tennessee Waltz
That was the night when they played the beautiful Tennessee Waltz.
Oh, the beautiful Tennessee Waltz
Ah, such a lovely and unforgettable dance.
Contributed by Samantha F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.