Irene's older brother, Roy Kral, was a successful musician when Irene started singing professionally as a teenager. She sung with bands on tours led by Woody Herman and Chubby Jackson, former Herman bass player.
Irene joined Maynard Ferguson's band in the late 1950s and sang with groups led by Stan Kenton and Shelly Manne.
Irene then started a solo career until her death at 46 years of age. She was a ballad singer who stated that Carmen McRae was one of her inspirations.
Irene was made more famous posthumously when Clint Eastwood used her recordings in his 1995 movie, The Bridges of Madison County.
(from Wikipedia)
I Like You You're Nice
Irene Kral Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Seems like I've known you for years
But we met just an hour ago
I′d never know we're such old friends
And I like you a lot
So don't go
You′re nice
How very nice we could be
But we'd never have all that we have
Let′s never know and just be friends
'Cause I like you a lot
So don′t go
Take me home and stay
For a while with me
If you're good, I′ll make you a marvelous,
Wondrous and quite notorious
Cup of Costa Rican coffee.
'Cause I like you
Yes I like you
You're nice
The lyrics of Irene Kral's song "I Like You You're Nice" express a deep connection and immediate bond between two individuals who have just met. The singer acknowledges the sense of familiarity and comfort that exists between them, despite only having known each other for a short time. The lyrics suggest that the connection between them goes beyond mere friendship, as there is an admiration and liking present.
The song emphasizes the hesitancy to define or label their relationship, as the singer suggests that they should remain friends rather than exploring any romantic possibilities. This decision to maintain the status quo is driven by the fear of losing the strong and genuine connection they have. The lyrics imply that their bond is special and unique, and they are unsure if adding romance to the mix would compromise what they already share.
There is a playful and flirtatious undertone in the lyrics, particularly when the singer offers to make the other person a "marvelous, wondrous, and quite notorious cup of Costa Rican coffee." This adds a layer of charm and creates a sense of intimacy between the two individuals.
Overall, "I Like You You're Nice" delves into the intricacies of human connection, acknowledging the immediate bond and genuine liking between two individuals while wrestling with the desire to maintain that connection without complicating it further.
Line by Line Meaning
I like you, you're nice
I have developed positive feelings towards you because you display kindness and pleasantness
Seems like I've known you for years
Our connection feels deep and familiar, as if we have shared a long history together
But we met just an hour ago
Surprisingly, our encounter is recent and brief, even though it feels like our bond goes beyond this short period
I'd never know we're such old friends
Based on our rapport, I would never suspect that we have known each other for a long time
And I like you a lot
I have a strong fondness for you, my feelings towards you are intense
So don't go
I urge you to stay, as I desire your continued presence and connection
You're nice
Your pleasant personality and demeanor are truly admirable
You're very much me
There is a deep resonance and similarity between us, our essence aligns closely
How very nice we could be
It is delightful to imagine the positive potential and harmonious bond that we could share
But we'd never have all that we have
Regrettably, we would never experience the full extent of the connection and rapport we currently possess
Let's never know and just be friends
Instead of pursuing a romantic relationship, let us retain our friendship without delving into the complexity of romantic intimacies
'Cause I like you a lot
The strength of my fondness towards you is profound and significantly impactful
So don't go
I urge you once again to stay, as your departure would bring a sense of loss and longing
Take me home and stay
Accompany me to my abode and continue being present in my life
For a while with me
Spend a period of time in my company, temporarily sharing experiences and moments
If you're good, I'll make you a marvelous, wondrous and quite notorious cup of Costa Rican coffee
If you prove yourself to be pleasant and worthy, I will prepare for you an exceptional, extraordinary, and widely admired cup of coffee from Costa Rica
'Cause I like you
My admiration and affection towards you drive my desire to extend such gestures of kindness and hospitality
Yes, I like you
It is affirmatively true that I have a positive sentiment towards you
You're nice
Once again, I emphasize that your kindness and pleasantness leave a lasting impression on me
Writer(s): Blossom Dearie, Linda Alpert
Contributed by Sophie A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Yolanda Rodriguez
gosh, she's so listenable. Nothing overdone, truthful in tone and delivery. I love that she takes her time to sing the line. amazing and so comfortable.
dangervich
Yes. A pity there are so few albums recorded this well.
Cliff Tetle
She hits all those nice notes so perfectly.
dangervich
It must have been great. As you can see from the notes above, McRae was a huge fan of Irene's and wrote the liner notes for this great album which also has a wonderful version of Where Is Love? She has a lot of the younger Carmen's sweetness for sure.
Noreen Jackson
Irene was certainly incredibly talented. I love this song. Irene also had such taste. Love her legacy of music.
caratamity
Yes, better than anything. She is so original and pure, especially in today's music. Yes, if someone loves beauty, must listen to her.
David Anderson
A great album, which I have owned since the early 80's. As I listen to the CD now, I am once again, so impressed. My intro to both Irene Kral and Alan Broadbent, Loved it all these years.
Johnny T
this is perfect music - writing, vocal delivery, Broadbent's accompaniment, all beautiful. And on a related note, as it were, my biggest discovery this past year has been the music of Irene Kral's brother Roy with his wife Jackie. Search youtube for Jackie and Roy's album "Like Sing" - it's a fantastic set of songs by Andre and Dory Previn, originally released in the early 1960s. This all makes me wonder how much fantastic music there is out there still to discover...
dangervich
Jackie and Roy are funny. I like their Autumn in New York as if sung by two drunks. Oh yeah. there's not end of music.
BowTieGuyUK2000
Oh indeed, buy this album - it will be a life-changing moment.