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
How About Me
Jackie Gleason Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Life can be a joy
But the note they end on
Will depend on
Little pleasures they will share
So let us compare
I like New York in June, how about you?
I love a fireside when a storm is due.
I like potato chips, moonlight and motor trips,
How about you?
I'm mad about good books, can't get my fill,
And Franklin Roosevelt's looks give me a thrill.
Holding hands at the movie show,
When all the lights are low
May not be new, but I like it,
How about you?
I like Jack Benny's jokes.
To a degree.
I love the common folks.
That includes me.
I like to window shop on 5th Avenue.
I like banana splits, late supper at the Ritz,
How about you?
I love to dream of fame, maybe I'll shine.
I'd love to see your name right beside mine.
I can see we're in harmony,
Looks like we both agree
On what to do,
And I like it, how about you?
The lyrics of Jackie Gleason's "How About You" is a romantic ode to the little pleasures and joys that can be shared between two people in love. The song highlights how the ending of the "note" depends on the "little pleasures" that the couple shares together. The singer lists various things that they like, such as New York in June, Gershwin tunes, firesides during storms, and even something as simple as potato chips, moonlight, and motor trips. The singer even goes on to mention their love for good books and the looks of Franklin Roosevelt, showing that they find joy in a variety of things. The song ends on a note of harmony, with the singer and their partner both agreeing on what they like.
The lyrics of "How About You" speak to the idea that a happy relationship is built on the shared experiences, interests, and pleasures of the two individuals involved. The song's emphasis on the little things shows that it's not always grand gestures that make a relationship work but rather the simple, everyday moments that can bring joy and happiness.
Line by Line Meaning
When a girl meets boy
When two people meet and connect in a romantic way
Life can be a joy
It can be a wonderful experience
But the note they end on
The outcome of their relationship
Will depend on
Is influenced by
Little pleasures they will share
Small things that they both enjoy
So let us compare
Let's see if we have any in common
I like New York in June, how about you?
I enjoy spending time in New York during the month of June. Do you feel the same way?
I like a Gershwin tune, how about you?
I appreciate the music of George Gershwin. Do you share my taste in music?
I love a fireside when a storm is due.
I find it pleasant to sit by the fireplace during a storm. Do you find the same cozy feeling?
I like potato chips, moonlight and motor trips,
I enjoy eating potato chips, going on midnight walks, and taking road trips. What about you?
How about you?
What about you? Do you like those things too?
I'm mad about good books, can't get my fill,
I'm really into reading and can never read enough good books
And Franklin Roosevelt's looks give me a thrill.
I find the physical appearance of Franklin Roosevelt attractive or exciting
Holding hands at the movie show,
A romantic activity at the cinema where couples holds hands
When all the lights are low
When the light intensity at the cinema is low
May not be new, but I like it,
It may not be the latest trend, but I still enjoy it
How about you?
Do you like holding hands at the movies when the lights are low?
I like Jack Benny's jokes.
I enjoy the humor of Jack Benny
To a degree.
Somewhat, but not completely
I love the common folks.
I appreciate and enjoy the simplicity of everyday people
That includes me.
I consider myself as one of the common folks
I like to window shop on 5th Avenue.
I enjoy looking at the displays on 5th Avenue without necessarily buying anything
I like banana splits, late supper at the Ritz,
I enjoy eating banana splits and having a late dinner at a fancy place like the Ritz
I love to dream of fame, maybe I'll shine.
I imagine becoming famous and making a name for myself
I'd love to see your name right beside mine.
I would be thrilled to work or achieve something with you as my partner
I can see we're in harmony,
I notice that we have a lot in common and are compatible with each other
Looks like we both agree
It seems we both have the same preferences and opinions
On what to do,
On the things we both like or want to do
And I like it, how about you?
I appreciate what we have and enjoy spending time with you. Do you feel the same way?
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: CAROLINE KAWA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind