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
I'm Always Chasing Raimbows
Jackie Gleason Lyrics
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Watching clouds drifting by
My schemes are just like all my dreams
Ending in the sky
Some fellows look and find the sunshine
I always look and find the rain
Some fellows make a winning sometimes
I never even make a gain
Waiting to find a little bluebird in vain
I'm always chasing rainbows
Watching clouds drifting by
My schemes are just like all my dreams
Ending in the sky
Some fellows look and find the sunshine
I always look and find the rain
Some fellows make a winning sometimes
I never even make a gain
Believe me, I'm always chasing rainbows
The lyrics of "I'm Always Chasing Rainbows" by Jackie Gleason and His Orchestra depict the singer’s constant search for happiness, represented by rainbows and bluebirds. The singer is always looking for something brighter and more hopeful, despite being constantly disappointed. The clouds drifting by symbolize the passing of time and the fleeting nature of happiness. The singer’s schemes and dreams are compared to each other, both ending in the sky, suggesting an unattainable nature.
The contrast between the singer's outlook and that of other, more successful individuals is highlighted in the lyrics as well. While some individuals find sunshine and make a winning, the singer always finds rain and never even makes a gain. The song ultimately suggests that the singer will continue to search for their version of happiness, despite the constant disappointments.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm always chasing rainbows
I am constantly pursuing things that are out of reach or unattainable, much like chasing rainbows that fade away.
Watching clouds drifting by
I often find myself observing the world around me, daydreaming and wasting time chasing illusions.
My schemes are just like all my dreams
The plans I make are no more realistic than the dreams I have, and both are unlikely to come true in reality.
Ending in the sky
My aspirations and ambitions are unattainable and will never come to fruition, much like a dream that fades away when we awaken.
Some fellows look and find the sunshine
Some people seem to naturally find success and happiness in life, even when things are tough.
I always look and find the rain
I, on the other hand, always seem to find the negative or difficult aspects of life, instead of focusing on the positive.
Some fellows make a winning sometimes
Sometimes, certain individuals are successful or fortunate in life, even if it's just occasionally.
I never even make a gain
I, on the other hand, have never experienced any such success or luck, and have always struggled to accomplish my goals.
Believe me, I'm always chasing rainbows
In summary, I am constantly chasing things that are out of reach and unlikely to come true, and will likely always be chasing these impossible dreams.
Waiting to find a little bluebird in vain
I am hoping to find something or someone that will bring me happiness or success, but my efforts are ultimately fruitless and in vain.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: HARRY CARROLL, JOSEPH JOE MC CARTHY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind