Gleason could not read or write music in a conventional sense; he was said to have conceived melodies in his head and described them vocally to staff help. He did likewise with the well-remembered themes of both The Jackie Gleason Show ("Melancholy Serenade") and The Honeymooners ("You're My Greatest Love"). There has been some controversy over the years as to how much credit Gleason should have received for the finished products; it has been written that beyond the possible conceptualizing of many of the songs, Gleason had no direct involvement such as conducting in the making of these recordings. However, his main musical companion, cornetist and trumpeter Bobby Hackett once said: "Jackie knows a lot more about music than people give him credit for. I have seen him conduct a sixty-piece orchestra and detect one discordant note in the brass section. He would immediately stop the music and locate the wrong note. It always amazed the professional musicians how a guy who technically did not know one note from another could do that. And he was never wrong."
Born February 26, 1916 in Brooklyn, New York, United States. He died on June 24, 1987
Dancing With Tears in My Eyes
Jackie Gleason Lyrics
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They seem so happy and gay
Though they sing and they swing as they sway
Somehow I can't feel that way
For I'm dancing with tears in my eyes
'Cause the boy/girl in my arms isn't you
Dancing with somebody new
Trying to smile once in a while
But I find it so hard to do
For I'm dancing with tears in my eyes
'Cause the boy/girl in my arms isn't you
While the throng's in the spell of a song
My thoughts keep drifting to you
While each pair seems to share their affair
They're making me blue
For I'm dancing with tears in my eyes
'Cause the boy/girl in my arms isn't you
Dancing with somebody new
When it's you that my heart's calling to
Trying to smile once in a while
But I find it so hard to do
For I'm dancing with tears in my eyes
'Cause the boy/girl in my arms isn't you
The song "Dancing With Tears in My Eyes" by Jackie Gleason is a poignant tale of heartbreak and longing. The song deals with the often painful experience of dancing with someone new while one's heart yearns for someone else. The central theme of the song is the inability to fully enjoy oneself in the presence of others due to the feelings of love still held for someone who is not there.
As the song begins, the lyrics describe the happiness and joy that others seem to feel while they dance and fall in love. But the singer can't fully participate in the revelry because they are still haunted by the absence of the one they truly love. The chorus of the song repeats the central theme, emphasizing that the singer is dancing with tears in their eyes because the person they are holding is not the one they truly want.
The second verse continues to describe the feelings of isolation and pain experienced by the singer. While everyone else dances to the music, their thoughts keep drifting back to the person they truly love. Each pairing only reminds the singer of their own loneliness and longing, making the experience all the more painful. Ultimately, the song leaves the listener with a clear sense of the pain and yearning that can accompany the experience of dancing with someone new while one's heart still belongs to another.
Line by Line Meaning
Those who dance and romance while they dance
People who are dancing and enjoying the company of their partners.
They seem so happy and gay
They appear to be joyful and carefree.
Though they sing and they swing as they sway
Even though they are singing and moving to the music while they dance.
Somehow I can't feel that way
Despite the happy atmosphere, the singer is unable to feel the same level of joy.
For I'm dancing with tears in my eyes
The singer is dancing but is feeling sad, as evidenced by the tears in their eyes.
'Cause the boy/girl in my arms isn't you
The singer is dancing with someone else, but they would rather be dancing with the person they miss.
Dancing with somebody new
The singer is dancing with a new partner.
When it's you that my heart's calling to
The singer's heart still belongs to the person they are missing.
Trying to smile once in a while
The singer is attempting to put on a happy face despite feeling sad.
But I find it so hard to do
However, the singer is struggling to maintain a happy demeanor.
While the throng's in the spell of a song
Everyone else is caught up in the music and experiencing the joy of dancing.
My thoughts keep drifting to you
The singer's mind keeps wandering to the person they are missing.
While each pair seems to share their affair
Other couples on the dance floor appear to be enjoying themselves and sharing a special moment.
They're making me blue
Their happiness is causing the singer to feel sad.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Joe Burke, Al Dubin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Gregory Spencer
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