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
Did I Remember
Jackie Gleason Lyrics
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I had a million things to say
We shared the moon in all it's splender
You pressed your lips to mine, and by the way
Did I remember to tell you I adore you
And I am living for you alone?
Did I remember to say "I'm lost without you"
You were in my arms and that was all I knew
We were alone, we two, what did I say to you?
Did I remember to tell you I adore you
And pray forever more you are mine?
Did I remember to tell you I adore you
And I am living for you alone?
Did I remember to say "I'm lost without you"
And just how mad about you I've grown?
You were in my arms and that was all I knew
We were alone, we two, what did I say to you?
Did I remember to tell you I adore you
And pray forever more you are mine?
In these lyrics, the singer is reflecting on a past experience where they were with someone they adore. The mood is romantic and passionate as the singer describes the night as being "filled with sweet surrender." Despite having "a million things to say," the singer was truly present with their companion and recalls how they "shared the moon in all its splendor." The climax of the moment occurred when the other person leaned in for a kiss, prompting the singer to wonder if they had expressed their feelings clearly enough. The chorus poses the question, "Did I remember to tell you I adore you?" and repeats the query, emphasizing the singer's uncertainty about whether they did or not. The lyrics go on to profess the singer’s deep affection, stating that they are "living for you alone" and are "lost" without the other person. The song ends on a hopeful note as the singer "prays forever more" that their adored one belongs solely to them.
The lyrics suggest a sense of vulnerability and hesitation in expressing love. Despite the intense emotions present during the moment, the singer reflects on the possibility that they may have failed to communicate their feelings adequately. This theme of missed opportunities for love resonates with many listeners, as it speaks to the all-too-human fear of rejection and the struggle to put one’s emotions out in the open. The song has since become a classic, with its timeless lyrics conveying a message that continues to resonate with audiences today.
Line by Line Meaning
The night was filled with sweet surrender
The night was very peaceful and both parties were content with each other's company.
I had a million things to say
There were many things that the singer wanted to say to the other person, but didn't know where to start.
We shared the moon in all it's splender
Both parties enjoyed the same beautiful view of the moon and were in awe of its magnificence.
You pressed your lips to mine, and by the way
The other person kissed the artist, making the artist feel loved and wanted.
Did I remember to tell you I adore you
The artist questions themselves on whether or not they expressed their love and admiration for the other person.
And I am living for you alone?
The singer only wants to live for the other person and no one else.
Did I remember to say "I'm lost without you"
The singer is unsure if they expressed how incomplete they feel without the other person.
And just how mad about you I've grown?
The artist is questioning whether they made it clear just how deeply in love they are with the other person.
You were in my arms and that was all I knew
The artist was so focused on holding the other person in their arms that everything else was not as important.
We were alone, we two, what did I say to you?
The artist wonders what they said to the other person during this moment since they were so lost in the moment.
Did I remember to tell you I adore you
The singer double checks if they expressed their love and admiration for the other person.
And pray forever more you are mine?
The artist hopes that they will always be together and that the other person will be theirs forever.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: HAROLD ADAMSON, WALTER DONALDSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind