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
Guilty
Jackie Gleason Lyrics
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And think that we should part
It seems as though I have loved you so long
You'll always be in my heart
Is it a sin
Is it a crime
Loving you dear like I do
Guilty of loving you
Maybe I'm wrong dreaming of you
Dreaming the lonely night through
If it's a crime then I'm guilty
Guilty of dreaming of you
What can I do
What can I say
After I've taken the blame?
You say we're through
You'll go your way
But I'll always feel just the same
Maybe I'm right
Maybe I'm wrong
Loving you dear like I do
If it's a crime then I'm guilty
Guilty of loving you
The song "Guilty" by Jackie Gleason speaks to a love that society might consider taboo, something forbidden or at the very least disapproved of. The singer has been told that their love is wrong and that they should part ways with their beloved. However, despite this admonishment, the singer finds that they have loved this person for so long that they will always be in their heart. The singer then raises a series of rhetorical questions, asking if it is sinful or criminal to love someone so deeply. There is also a sense of longing and yearning throughout the song, with mentions of dreaming of the beloved and feeling the same about them even after the relationship has ended. Ultimately, the singer confesses their guilt in loving this person, suggesting that they are willing to accept any consequences for following their heart.
The song reflects the attitudes of the time, particularly in relation to forbidden or disapproved love. It acknowledges the idea that society might judge or punish individuals for who they choose to love. However, it also suggests that love is something that cannot always be controlled or contained, and that the heart will often follow its own path regardless of external pressures. The introspective and emotional nature of the lyrics reflects the broader themes of love and loss that are present in many popular songs from this era.
Line by Line Meaning
Though you've decided that our love is wrong
Even though you have made the decision that our love is morally incorrect
And think that we should part
And believe that we should no longer continue our romantic relationship
It seems as though I have loved you so long
It appears that I have been in love with you for a significant period of time
You'll always be in my heart
You will always hold a special place in my heart
Is it a sin
Is it considered a violation of religious or moral law
Is it a crime
Is it an offense punishable by law
Loving you dear like I do
Being in love with you in the way that I am
If it's a crime then I'm guilty
If being in love with you is considered a crime, then I am at fault
Maybe I'm wrong dreaming of you
Perhaps I am incorrect to fantasize about you
Dreaming the lonely night through
Imagining about you all night when I am alone
Guilty of dreaming of you
I admit that I am at fault for dreaming about you
What can I do
What course of action can I take
What can I say
What words can I utter
After I've taken the blame?
After I have accepted responsibility for my actions?
You say we're through
You claim that our romantic relationship has ended
You'll go your way
You will pursue your own path without me
But I'll always feel just the same
However, I will always retain my feelings for you
Maybe I'm right
Perhaps my views are correct
Maybe I'm wrong
Perhaps my views are incorrect
Guilty of loving you
I accept that I am at fault for being in love with you
Lyrics © DistroKid, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Harry Akst, Gus Kahn, Richard A. Whiting
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind