She was born Hildegarde Loretta Sell in Adell, Wisconsin, and raised in New Holstein, Wisconsin as a Roman Catholic in a family of German extraction. Sell worked in vaudeville and traveling shows throughout her career, appearing across the United States and Europe. She was known for 70 years as "The Incomparable Hildegarde," a title bestowed on her by columnist Walter Winchell.
She trained at Marquette University's College of Music in the 1920s[1].
During the peak of her popularity in the 1930s and '40s, she was booked in cabarets and supper clubs at least 45 weeks a year. She appeared on the cover of Life magazine in 1939, and her recordings sold in the hundreds of thousands. Revlon even introduced a Hildegarde shade of lipstick and nail polish.
She was once referred to as a "luscious, hazel-eyed Milwaukee blonde who sings the way Garbo looks" (Time Nov. 27, 1950).
"Hildegarde was perhaps the most famous supper-club entertainer who ever lived," the entertainer Liberace once said. "I used to absorb all the things she was doing, all the showmanship she created. It was marvelous to watch her, wearing elegant gowns, surrounded with roses and playing with white gloves on. They used to literally roll out the red carpet for her."
Hildegarde's admirers ranged from soldiers during World War II to King Gustaf of Sweden and the Duke of Windsor. She never married.
From the 1950s through the 1970s, in addition to her cabaret performances and record albums, she appeared in a number of television specials and toured with the national company of the Stephen Sondheim Musical Follies.
Her autobiography, Over 50 .... So What!, was published by Doubleday in 1961.
She died at the age of 99 in a hospital in New York on July 29, 2005, of natural causes.
Isn't This A Lovely Day
Hildegarde Lyrics
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The thunder and lightning
Seem to be having their way.
But as far as I'm concerned, it's a lovely day.
The turn in the weather
Will keep us together
So I can honestly say,
That as far as I'm concerned, it's a lovely day
Isn't this a lovely day to be caught in the rain.
You were going on your way, now you've got to remain.
Just as you were going, leaving me all at sea,
The clouds broke, they broke and oh what a break for me.
I can see the sun up high, though we're caught in a storm.
I can see where you and I could be cozy and warm.
Let the rain pitter patter
But it really doesn't matter
If the skies are gray.
Long as I can be with you, it's a lovely day.
In "Isn't This a Lovely Day," Hildegarde captures a unique perspective on a gloomy weather situation. She acknowledges that the weather is indeed frightening, with thunder and lightning having their way. However, she chooses to see the positive side of things, declaring it to be a lovely day from her own perspective.
The turn in the weather, which usually causes people to separate and seek shelter, will serve as a reason for Hildegarde and her loved one to stay together. This change in the weather allows her to honestly claim that it is a lovely day. She embraces the idea that everything is okay, perhaps suggesting that the challenges they face will only strengthen their bond.
The second stanza introduces a twist in the tale. Hildegarde believes that this rainy day is actually a lovely day to be caught in the rain. She addresses her loved one, who was initially planning to leave, pointing out that now they have no choice but to stay together. The breaking of the clouds provides a fortunate change of plans for her, shifting the situation in her favor.
Even though they are caught in a storm, Hildegarde can still see the sun up high. This juxtaposition of the storm and the sun symbolizes the potential for happiness that they could have together, despite the external circumstances. She envisions a cozy and warm future for them, reminding herself and her loved one that they can find comfort in one another's presence.
She concludes the song by indicating that the rain, even though it may pitter patter, doesn't matter as long as she can be with her loved one. From her perspective, being together makes any day a lovely day, regardless of the external conditions. This sentiment emphasizes the power of love and companionship to override any negativity or challenges they may face.
Line by Line Meaning
The weather is frightening.
The current weather conditions are intimidating and alarming.
The thunder and lightning
The loud crashing sound and bright flashes of light in the sky
Seem to be having their way.
Appear to be exerting their control and dominance.
But as far as I'm concerned, it's a lovely day.
From my perspective, despite the weather, the day remains delightful.
The turn in the weather
The change in the atmospheric conditions.
Will keep us together
Will prevent us from being separated.
So I can honestly say,
Therefore, I can truthfully declare.
That as far as I'm concerned, it's a lovely day
In my opinion, regardless of the circumstances, it is still a beautiful day.
And everything's okay.
And everything is fine and satisfactory.
Isn't this a lovely day to be caught in the rain.
Isn't it delightful to find ourselves caught in the rain?
You were going on your way, now you've got to remain.
You were originally planning to leave, but now you have to stay.
Just as you were going, leaving me all at sea,
At the moment you were about to depart, leaving me feeling lost and uncertain.
The clouds broke, they broke and oh what a break for me.
Suddenly, the clouds dispersed, and this unexpected turn of events became incredibly fortunate for me.
I can see the sun up high, though we're caught in a storm.
Despite being trapped in a storm, I can discern the presence of the sun shining brightly above.
I can see where you and I could be cozy and warm.
I can envision a situation where both of us are comfortable and snug.
Let the rain pitter patter
Allow the rain to create a soft, gentle patter sound.
But it really doesn't matter
However, it truly does not have any significance or effect.
If the skies are gray.
Even if the sky appears dull and lacking color.
Long as I can be with you, it's a lovely day.
As long as I am in your company, any day becomes beautiful.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: IRVING BERLIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind