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
Temptation
Jackie Gleason Lyrics
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I was alone,
I should have known,
You were temptation!
You smiled,
Luring me on,
My heart was gone,
It would be thrilling if you were willing,
And if it can never be, pity me,
For you were born to be kissed,
I can't resist, you are temptation,
And I am yours!
Here is my heart!
Take it and say, that we'll never part!
I'm just a slave, only a slave,
To you!
Temptation,
I'm your slave!
The lyrics of Jackie Gleason's song "Temptation" convey a sense of longing and vulnerability in the face of temptation. The singer confesses that when the object of their desire arrived, they were initially alone and perhaps unaware of the impact their arrival would have. The phrase "You were temptation" emphasizes the irresistible nature of this person's presence.
The lyrics suggest that the singer's heart was immediately captivated once this person smiled and began to lure them in. It's a situation where the heart takes over, and the rational mind gives way to the overwhelming allure of the moment. The singer acknowledges that it would be thrilling if this person reciprocated their feelings, but also expresses a sense of resignation if that can never be. They lament their inability to resist the temptation that this person represents, highlighting the power they have over the singer's emotions.
The line "Here is my heart, take it and say, that we'll never part" reflects the singer's willingness to give themselves completely to this person, despite knowing the potential risks and consequences involved. The final line, "I'm just a slave, only a slave, to you," further emphasizes their surrender and their acknowledgment that they are completely at the mercy of this tempting individual.
Overall, the lyrics of "Temptation" explore the inner conflict and power dynamics that arise when faced with strong desires and the often difficult choices that come with them.
Line by Line Meaning
You came,
You entered my life,
I was alone,
I was without anyone,
I should have known,
I should have been aware,
You were temptation!
You were an irresistible desire!
You smiled,
You expressed joy on your face,
Luring me on,
Attracting and enticing me,
My heart was gone,
My heart was no longer under my control,
And you were temptation!
And you were that irresistible desire!
It would be thrilling if you were willing,
It would be exciting if you were open to it,
And if it can never be, pity me,
And if it can never happen, have sympathy for me,
For you were born to be kissed,
Because you were destined to be embraced with affection,
I can't resist, you are temptation,
I cannot withstand your allure, you are an irresistible desire,
And I am yours!
And I belong to you!
Here is my heart!
I am offering you my deepest emotions!
Take it and say, that we'll never part!
Accept it and promise that we will always be together!
I'm just a slave, only a slave,
I am completely devoted, submissive to you,
To you!
To your presence and influence!
Temptation,
An overpowering enticement,
I'm your slave!
I am under your control!
Lyrics © EMI Music Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: KERRY KING
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind