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
The Girl From Impanema
Jackie Gleason Lyrics
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The girl from Ipanema goes walking
And when she passes, each one she passes goes - ah
When she walks, she's like a samba
That swings so cool and sways so gentle
That when she passes, each one she passes goes - ah
How can he tell her he loves her
Yes I would give my heart gladly
But each day, that she walks to the sea
She looks straight ahead, not at he
Tall, (and) tan, (and) young, (and) lovely
The girl from Ipanema goes walking
And when she passes, he smile - but she doesn't see
(Doesn't see)
(She just doesn't see, she never sees him)
The lyrics to "The Girl from Ipanema" describe a beautiful young woman who takes a daily walk along the beach in Ipanema, Brazil. She is tall, tan, young and lovely. As she walks, she moves in a way that is reminiscent of the samba, a traditional Brazilian dance. The sight of her passing onlookers inspires admiration and longing, as they are all struck by her beauty and grace. The song's narrator watches her walk past every day, hoping to catch her attention, but she is always looking straight ahead and seems to be oblivious to his presence.
As the lyrics progress, the singer's unrequited love becomes more pronounced. He watches her longingly, wondering how he can confess his feelings for her. He would gladly give his heart to her, but he knows that she doesn't even acknowledge his presence. Despite his pain, he cannot help but be captivated by her beauty and grace, which inspire such admiration from everyone around her.
Overall, "The Girl from Ipanema" is a bittersweet tribute to the power of beauty and the pain of unrequited love. It captures the intoxicating allure of a stunning woman, and the power that she holds over those who are lucky enough to see her. At the same time, the song also acknowledges the sadness that can come from loving someone from afar, and the frustration of never being able to fully express oneself.
Line by Line Meaning
Tall and tan and young and lovely
The girl is striking, attractive, and amazing to look at.
The girl from Ipanema goes walking
The girl is commonly seen walking along a particular street in Ipanema.
And when she passes, each one she passes goes - ah
Without fail, every person who sees her reacts with awe and wonderment.
When she walks, she's like a samba
Her movements and mannerisms are both smooth and lively, like the rhythmic samba dance.
That swings so cool and sways so gentle
Her style is relaxed and graceful, yet still very cool and captivating.
That when she passes, each one she passes goes - ah
Again, every person who sees her is awestruck and amazed by her beauty and poise.
(Ooh) But he watch her so sadly
Although he adores her from afar, he is painfully aware that he cannot be with her.
How can he tell her he loves her
He is hesitant to confess his feelings to her, knowing that it may not be reciprocated.
Yes I would give my heart gladly
However, he is willing to make great sacrifices for her.
But each day, that she walks to the sea
Every single day, she walks down to the ocean, following a familiar routine.
She looks straight ahead, not at he
Sadly, she never looks his way or acknowledges his presence.
Tall, (and) tan, (and) young, (and) lovely
A reminder of her mesmerizing beauty and presence.
And when she passes, he smile - but she doesn't see
He smiles at her every time she passes, but she never notices him.
(Doesn't see)
He continues to pine after her, but she remains oblivious to his feelings.
(She just doesn't see, she never sees him)
His love for her is unrequited, and it is clear that she will never see him as anything more than a passerby.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Norman Gimbel, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Vinicius De Moraes
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind