Herbie Mann was born in Brooklyn, New York. Early in his career, he played saxophone and clarinet, but Mann was among the first jazz musicians to specialize on the flute and was perhaps jazz music's preminent flautist during the 1960s.
Mann was quite prolific and performed often. His first gig was playing in the Catskills at age 15. His last, on May 3, 2003 was at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival at age 73. Herbie Mann died at age 73 on July 1, 2003 of prostate cancer.
NANA
Herbie Mann Lyrics
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Two angels in love together they fall
I was wrong to help my self to your love
Its cold though hell will thaw
You left me here to stare
At pictures of a love you left in despair
And I don't want to pray for the love
I think about you everyday now
I wonder where you are
And how you inspire
But it's impossible to see through the smile
That left me here to die
You left me here to stare
At pictures of a love you left in despair
And I don't want to pray for the love
That let the angel fall
You left me here to stare
At pictures of a love you left in despair
And I don't want to pray for the love
That let the angel fall
The song "Nana" by Herbie Mann is a melancholic reflection on lost love. The opening lines set the tone for the rest of the song, with the singer acknowledging that the situation seems like a fairy tale, with two angels falling in love. However, the love has ended and the singer regrets having taken advantage of it. It's clear that the separation has been painful as the singer is left alone to stare at pictures of the love that has been lost.
The theme of regret is reinforced throughout the song as the singer thinks about the former love every day and wonders where the person is and how they remain inspiring. But this reflection is tempered by the reality that the smile that once gave the singer joy is now just a painful reminder of what was lost. The repetition of the final lines highlights the singer's unwillingness to pray for a love that led to the fall of an angel.
Overall, the song is a poignant reflection on the fragility of love and how quickly it can disappear. The imagery of angels and fairy tales adds a dream-like quality to the song, while the repeated refrain emphasizes the heartbreak that comes with losing someone.
Line by Line Meaning
It sounds just like a fairy tale
The situation seems too good to be true, like something out of a storybook
Two angels in love together they fall
Two pure-hearted beings fell in love with each other
I was wrong to help myself to your love
I realize now that I made a mistake by taking advantage of your love for me
Its cold though hell will thaw
The situation is icy and hopeless, but eventually there may be some hope for change
You left me here to stare
You abandoned me in this state of misery
At pictures of a love you left in despair
I am left with only memories of a love that ended in tragedy
And I don't want to pray for the love
I do not want to hope for a love that has already proven to be destructive
That let the angel fall
The love that once seemed pure and holy ultimately led to pain and suffering
I think about you everyday now
I am haunted by thoughts of you every day
I wonder where you are
I am left with uncertainty about your whereabouts
And how you inspire
I can't help but recall the positive impact you once had on my life
But it's impossible to see through the smile
Despite your positive effect, I am unable to look past the sadness and betrayal caused by our failed love
That left me here to die
The heartbreak and misery have left me feeling like I am slowly dying inside
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group, Tratore
Written by: MARIO TELLES, MOACIR SANTOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind