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)
Wheelers And Dealers
Irene Kral Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And nothing feels the same
It's such a pity, it's such a shame
But the wheelers and dealers are hanging in tough
And keeping an eye on the action
They're hawking and talking and moving that stuff
And feeling a fast satisfaction
Lying and stealing and letting the chips just fall
Signing and sealing and knowing the price of all things
And the value of nothing at all
Sure, it's little wonder we're insecure
Just open up your eyes
It's like a sweepstakes without a prize
But the wheelers and dealers are doing their thing
And telling us everything's rosy
Lord only knows what tomorrow may bring
But don't anybody get nosy
Wheeling and dealing in various large and small things
Lying and stealing and letting the chips just fall
Signing and sealing and knowing the price of all things
And the value of nothing at all
Soon we'll all be zooming off for the moon
Like pioneers we'll roam
To find some peace up there
And make a home
But the wheelers and dealers are getting there first
And setting up shop in the craters
To eat beyond hunger and drink beyond thirst
Like unsatisfiable Satyrs
Wheeling and dealing in various large and small things
Lying and stealing and letting the chips just fall
Signing and sealing and knowing the price of all things
And the value of nothing at all
Nothing at all
Nothing at all
Nothing at all
In "Wheelers and Dealers," Irene Kral sings about a world where dreamers have run out of dreams and everything seems disconnected and empty. However, despite this bleak outlook, the wheelers and dealers persist, unyielding and determined to make their profit in a world filled with uncertainty. They are willing to lie, cheat, and steal to secure their desired outcome, completely disregarding the consequences of their actions. They know the value of all things, materialistic and otherwise, yet nothing holds any real meaning to them.
The lyrics suggest a world that has lost its way and has become fixated on material success at the expense of morality and genuine connection with others. The wheelers and dealers may feel a fleeting satisfaction in their gains, but there is a sense of desperation and a feeling that they are never truly fulfilled. The song encourages listeners to open their eyes to the truth of the world, to not allow themselves to be fooled by the false promises of those who pursue wealth and power at any cost.
Line by Line Meaning
Seems like all the dreamers ran out of dreams
It appears that everyone who had high aspirations has lost their motivation.
And nothing feels the same
The world has changed to a degree that is almost unrecognizable.
It's such a pity, it's such a shame
This situation is truly unfortunate and disappointing.
But the wheelers and dealers are hanging in tough
Those who are cunning and manipulative are persevering through the challenges.
And keeping an eye on the action
They are closely monitoring everything that is happening to stay ahead.
They're hawking and talking and moving that stuff
They are selling their goods or services aggressively in order to make big profits.
And feeling a fast satisfaction
They are experiencing fulfilment and pleasure quickly from their actions.
Sure, it's little wonder we're insecure
It makes sense that we feel uncertain and unsafe in this environment.
Just open up your eyes
Take a good look around and observe the world for yourself.
It's like a sweepstakes without a prize
Life has become a competition with no true rewards.
But the wheelers and dealers are doing their thing
Despite the chaos, the cunning people are still going about their business as usual.
And telling us everything's rosy
They are deceiving us by implying that everything is great when it's not.
Lord only knows what tomorrow may bring
Nobody can predict what the future will hold.
But don't anybody get nosy
Don't poke your nose into other people's affairs, especially those of the wheelers and dealers.
Soon we'll all be zooming off for the moon
People will be exploring uncharted territories to escape their problems.
Like pioneers we'll roam
We will be adventurous and brave as we explore these new frontiers.
To find some peace up there
People are searching for tranquillity and relaxation in these new environments.
And make a home
They will create a new society and civilization there.
But the wheelers and dealers are getting there first
The cunning and manipulative people are arriving at these new frontiers ahead of everyone else.
And setting up shop in the craters
They are establishing businesses and monopolies in these uncharted territories.
To eat beyond hunger and drink beyond thirst
They are indulging in extreme extravagances in these new lands.
Like unsatisfiable Satyrs
They are behaving like mythical creatures whose desires can never be fulfilled.
Nothing at all
They don't value anything beyond their own material gains.
Contributed by Mateo N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Peter Holzer
Irene Kral was a class act. She stuck with mainstream jazz. I love her album Kral Space. She died so young at age 46 after a brave battle with breast cancer. We lost such a wonderful artist. -Peter
Stanley Ipkuss
this is one of my fave irene kral trackz!! so excited when i came across this vinyl, such beautiful artwork
Noreen Jackson
Nobody sang like Irene. Check out Bridges of Madison County soundtrack. Had the great pleasure to know her.
Anna Maria Delgado
I love the samba rhythm mixed with the thoughtful lyrics.
Simply Renee
Never heard if her until last week. I love her work.
Andy Hazell
Just perfect. A Real Desert Island disc tune for me..
marktarmannpiano
my colleague here for several years in Germany sounds a lot like Irene Krall. Sound of her voice, the quality of her singing. She's moved back to Canada. If you're there and she's still stuck in lounge lizard gigs, ask here to sing some jazz you. You'll be in for a treat. Barbara Leah-Meyer
namelessrevisited
This is my favorite Irene Kral
Mickey'sMind
Amazing track - Floating Points brought me here!
Araxie Rose
Jeez, if I keep clicking on the suggestions for music like this on this site, I'll never get ANYTHING done today. :)