Following in the footsteps of Jean-Pierre Rampal, he became one of the first flute players to establish an international career as a soloist.
Galway went to London as a teenager to study the flute.
He studied at the Royal College of Music under John Francis and then at the Guildhall School of Music under Geoffrey Gilbert.
He then studied at the Paris Conservatoire under Gaston Crunelle and Jean-Pierre Rampal and also privately with Marcel Moyse.
After his education time he spent fifteen years as an orchestral player.
Sir James Galway played with the Philharmonia Orchestra as it rose to prominence in the 1950s.
He auditioned for the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra under Herbert von Karajan, and was principal flute of that orchestra from 1969 to 1975.
To Karajan's surprise and dismay, after a period of some disagreement, "Jimmy" Galway decided that he would leave to pursue a solo career, which he succeeded in doing admirably.
He still performs regularly and is one of the world's leading classical flute players.
He is Principal Guest Conductor of the London Mozart Players, based at the Fairfield Halls, Croydon, South London.
And most recently, he performed for the Academy Award-winning ensemble recording the soundtracks of Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings film trilogy.
He now resides in Meggen, Switzerland, with his U.S.-born wife, Jeanne, also flute player. They often tour together playing duets, accompanied by Phillip Moll on piano.
I Just Called To Say I Love You
James Galway Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
No chocolate covered candy hearts to give away
No first of spring
No song to sing
In fact here's just another ordinary day
No April rain
No flowers bloom
No wedding Saturday within the month of June
Made up of these three words that I must say to you
I just called to say I love you
I just called to say how much I care
I just called to say I love you
And I mean it from the bottom of my heart
No summer's high
No warm July
No harvest moon to light one tender August night
No autumn breeze
No falling leaves
Not even time for birds to fly to southern skies
No Libra sun
No Halloween
No giving thanks to all the Christmas joy you bring
But what it is, though old so new
To fill your heart like no three words could ever do
I just called to say I love you
I just called to say how much I care, I do
I just called to say I love you
And I mean it from the bottom of my heart
I just called to say I love you
I just called to say how much I care, I do
I just called to say I love you
And I mean it from the bottom of my heart, of my heart, of my heart
I just called to say I love you
I just called to say how much I care, I do
I just called to say I love you
And I mean it from the bottom of my heart, of my heart, baby of my heart
The lyrics of James Galway's "I Just Called to Say I Love You" describe a day that seems ordinary, without any special events or seasons to celebrate. However, despite the lack of excitement, the singer takes the opportunity to express their love for the person on the other end of the phone. The lack of traditional occasions is not important, as the feeling of love and affection they have for the other person is genuine and true. The chorus repeats the same sentiment, emphasizing the simplicity and sincerity of the message. Through these lyrics, Galway reminds us that love can be expressed any day, at any time, and in any way.
Line by Line Meaning
No New Year's Day to celebrate
There is no special occasion to mark our love.
No chocolate covered candy hearts to give away
There are no material gifts that can match my love for you.
No first of spring, No song to sing
The beauty of nature and music cannot express the depth of my love for you.
In fact here's just another ordinary day
Despite the lack of special events, my love for you remains constant and extraordinary.
No April rain, No flowers bloom, No wedding Saturday within the month of June
The symbolism of the changing seasons and traditional wedding dates cannot capture the essence of my love for you.
But what it is, is something true, Made up of these three words that I must say to you
My love for you is real and undeniable, and I need to express it through these words.
I just called to say I love you
The purpose of my call is to convey my deep affection for you.
I just called to say how much I care, I do
I want to assure you that my love is not just a passing feeling, but a genuine commitment.
And I mean it from the bottom of my heart
My words are not just empty phrases, but a sincere expression of my innermost feelings.
No summer's high, No warm July, No harvest moon to light one tender August night
Even the warmth and beauty of summer and autumn cannot compare to my love for you.
No autumn breeze, No falling leaves, Not even time for birds to fly to southern skies
The passing of time and changing seasons cannot diminish the strength of my love for you.
No Libra sun, No Halloween, No giving thanks to all the Christmas joy you bring
Even the special occasions and holidays throughout the year are overshadowed by the depth of my love for you.
But what it is, though old so new, To fill your heart like no three words could ever do
Although the words 'I love you' may have been said many times before, they hold a unique and powerful meaning when spoken to you.
And I mean it from the bottom of my heart, of my heart, baby of my heart
I want you to know that my love comes from the deepest part of my being, and it is solely for you.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: STEVIE WONDER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind