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)
Where Is Love'
Irene Kral Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Does it fall from skies above?
Is it underneath the Willow tree
That I′ve been dreaming of?
Where is he?
Who I close my eyes to see?
Will I ever know the sweet "hello"
Who can say where he may hide?
Must I travel far and wide?
′Til I am beside the someone who
I can mean something to...
Where?
Where is Love?
In Irene Kral's song "Where Is Love?" the lyrics explore the longing and uncertainty of finding true love. The opening lines pose a series of questions, wondering if love is something that falls from the sky or is found beneath a Willow tree, perhaps symbolizing a place of solace and dreams. Kral highlights the desire to find someone by closing her eyes, suggesting the search for a deep connection. She ponders whether she will ever experience the joy of a sweet greeting that is meant solely for her.
As the lyrics progress, she contemplates the hiding place of love, questioning if she must venture far and wide to find it. The song captures the sentiment of feeling incomplete without a significant other who sees and appreciates her for who she is. It conveys the universal longing for a soulmate and the anticipation of finally being by the side of someone who truly values her presence.
Overall, "Where Is Love?" reflects the universal search for love, emphasizing the yearning for a connection that feels destined and meaningful. The lyrics convey the hope of finding that special someone who can fulfill the longing, bringing a sense of purpose and personal significance.
Line by Line Meaning
Where is Love?
I am searching for the presence and essence of love in my life.
Does it fall from skies above?
Is love something that magically appears and descends upon us?
Is it underneath the Willow tree
That I′ve been dreaming of?
Could love be found in a place of peaceful serenity that I have fantasized about?
Where is he?
Where is the person whom I long for and desire?
Who I close my eyes to see?
The one whom I envision vividly when I shut my eyes.
Will I ever know the sweet 'hello'
That's only meant for me?
Is there a special greeting, a tender acknowledgment that is reserved exclusively for me?
Who can say where he may hide?
Is it impossible to determine the exact location where this person may be concealing themselves?
Must I travel far and wide?
Do I have to embark on long journeys and explore distant places in my quest for love?
′Til I am beside the someone who
I can mean something to...
Until I am in the presence of someone whom I can deeply matter and be of significance to...
Where?
Where could love be found?
Where is Love?
Again, I question the whereabouts of love in my life.
Writer(s): Lionel Bart
Contributed by Mila E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@miltonmoore5294
Just learned of
this singer from
my sister. Irene
Kral certainly possessed a fine
voice. She falls
into that category
shared by other great vocalists like Edith Ennis and Johnny Hartmann, those
who
never got the hit
records and the
exposure that came
with that on all
the t.v. talk shows
like Johnny Carson, so they
escaped the purview of most
people outside of
the jazz festival circuit, etc. Kral
was born two years before Charles Manson.
What a pity and a
disgrace that everybody knows
who HE is, but
basically nobody
knows who she was!
@jpozenel
I was listening to a late night NPR radio show and thought that I must be hearing things. I sure was, and was able to find it here. I think this is simply beautiful.
@woodlark391
Heartwarming. Just the sweetest touch of Carmen McRae in that voice...such a treasure.
@hughmackie
Alan Broadbent, the pianst and sole accompaniment on this album, is so very good here. One of the most talented jazz pianists of his generation, but also one of the best vocal accompanists, who helps lift every song on the album.
@ecardon1
I just heard her sing this morning and what a treat. It takes a real singer to sing without a lot of accompaniment. Thanks for uploading this song sung by this great singer.
@JayElWu
Heard this at a Hi Fi show and fell in love with this song. Thanks Steve McCormack!
@mattkwest468
What a beautiful voice. Her tone evokes a melodic Flugelhorn
@monsieurlewop
I always think of a cello when I listen to her.
@CaroleMora22
This is such an exquisite translation/rendition. Her voice, along with Broadbent's piano are a perfect match.
@miltonmoore5294
Just learned of
this singer from
my sister. Irene
Kral certainly possessed a fine
voice. She falls
into that category
shared by other great vocalists like Edith Ennis and Johnny Hartmann, those
who
never got the hit
records and the
exposure that came
with that on all
the t.v. talk shows
like Johnny Carson, so they
escaped the purview of most
people outside of
the jazz festival circuit, etc. Kral
was born two years before Charles Manson.
What a pity and a
disgrace that everybody knows
who HE is, but
basically nobody
knows who she was!
@MeelaESQ
And Alan Broadbent on Piano.... just the absolute best!!!