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
Mickey
Jackie Gleason Lyrics
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Where is the rose that grows in repose like you
Lucky the birds and the bees you'd meet
Lucky the moss and the violet sweet
When they were trod by your bare little feet
There in the morning dew
Dearie, to change your name to mine
Mickey, pretty Mickey, with your hair of raven hue
In your smiling so beguiling
There's a bit of Killarney, bit of the Blarney, too
Childhood in the wildwood
Like a mountain flow'r you grew
Pretty Mickey, pretty Mickey
Can you blame anyone for falling in love with you
You had a friend that used to defend and love you
He was a dog, a mutt of a dog, it's true
He used to follow you ev'rywhere
Look in your eyes with a lovable stare
He was a lucky old dog to be there
And he believed it too
This is a promise true from me
"I'll be as faithful to you, as he"
Mickey, pretty Mickey, with your hair of raven hue
In your smiling so beguiling
There's a bit of Killarney, bit of the Blarney, too
Childhood in the wildwood
Like a mountain flow'r you grew
Pretty Mickey, pretty Mickey
Can you blame anyone for falling in love with you
The song "Mickey" by Jackie Gleason is a sweet and romantic ode to a woman named Mickey. In the first verse, the lyrics express a sense of regret and pity for giving her such a simple and ordinary name. The singer wonders where the beautiful and elegant rose that symbolizes Mickey's charm and grace has gone. The lyrics further emphasize the luckiness of the birds, bees, moss, and violet that have the opportunity to encounter Mickey's presence. Walking barefoot in the morning dew, Mickey embodies a pure and innocent nature.
The second verse highlights the singer's longing and desire to have Mickey's name changed to his own. It is apparent that the singer is infatuated with Mickey, as he cannot help but pine for her and wishes to be associated intimately with her by sharing the same name. This verse captures the yearning and admiration that the singer holds for Mickey.
The chorus of the song continues to enchant the listener with the singer's affectionate description of Mickey. Her hair, described as raven-hued, adds to her allure and mystery. The chorus notes that Mickey's smile is both charming and enchanting, hinting at her Irish background with references to Killarney and the Blarney Stone. The lyrics evoke images of Mickey's idyllic childhood spent in the wildwood, where she blossoms like a beautiful mountain flower. Despite her remarkable qualities, the chorus acknowledges that it is only natural for anyone to fall in love with Mickey.
In the final verse, the song introduces a loyal and devoted dog that used to be Mickey's companion and protector. Although the dog is described as a "mutt," he adored and followed Mickey everywhere. The lyrics convey that the dog was fortunate to be in Mickey's presence and believed in the bond they shared. The singer promises Mickey that he will be as faithful and devoted to her as her loyal dog once was, reinforcing his commitment and love for her.
Overall, "Mickey" is a heartfelt song that praises the beauty, charm, and desirability of a woman named Mickey. It celebrates her innocence, elegance, and natural allure, inviting listeners to understand and appreciate her captivating qualities.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh! what a shame they gave you the name of Mickey
It is unfortunate that you were given the name Mickey
Where is the rose that grows in repose like you
Where can one find a peaceful and beautiful rose like you
Lucky the birds and the bees you'd meet
Fortunate are the birds and bees that come across you
Lucky the moss and the violet sweet
Fortunate are the moss and sweet violets that you walk upon
When they were trod by your bare little feet
When your small bare feet touched them
There in the morning dew
In the presence of the morning dew
How can you blame me when I pine
How could you fault me when I yearn
Dearie, to change your name to mine
My dear, to have your name changed to mine
Mickey, pretty Mickey, with your hair of raven hue
Mickey, beautiful Mickey, with your dark black hair
In your smiling so beguiling
In your enchanting and captivating smile
There's a bit of Killarney, bit of the Blarney, too
There is a part of Killarney and a bit of Blarney in you
Childhood in the wildwood
Your childhood spent in the wildwood
Like a mountain flow'r you grew
You grew like a flower on the mountain
Can you blame anyone for falling in love with you
Is it fair to accuse someone for falling in love with you
You had a friend that used to defend and love you
You had a friend who used to protect and love you
He was a dog, a mutt of a dog, it's true
He was a dog, specifically a mixed-breed dog, indeed
He used to follow you ev'rywhere
He used to follow you everywhere you went
Look in your eyes with a lovable stare
He would gaze into your eyes affectionately
He was a lucky old dog to be there
He was fortunate to be by your side
And he believed it too
And he sincerely believed it
This is a promise true from me
This is a genuine promise from me
"I'll be as faithful to you, as he"
"I will be as loyal to you as he was"
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: HARRY WILLIAMS, NEIL MORET
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind