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.
Unforgettable
James Galway Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That's what you are
Unforgettable
Tho' near or far
Like a song of love that clings to me
How the thought of you does things to me
Never before has someone been more
Unforgettable in every way
That's why darling it's incredible
That someone so unforgettable
Thinks that I am unforgettable too
The lyrics of James Galway's song Unforgettable are a reflection of the singer's admiration and love for their significant other. The song kicks off with a statement of the unique quality their lover possesses, which is being unforgettable, regardless of the distance or situation. The singer then goes ahead to describe the lover's effect on them, stating that the thought of them does things to them, much like how a love song clings to someone's heart. The singer also highlights the lover's impact on them, expressing that they have never met anyone as unforgettable as them, and that they will remain that way, forever more. The final verse expresses the singer's wonder at being considered equally unforgettable by their lover, acknowledging the incredible nature of their love and bond.
Overall, the lyrics of Unforgettable are a beautiful declaration of love, expressing deep admiration and affection for a significant other. The song uses music as a metaphor for love, describing how the thought of the lover clings to the singer's heart like a love song. Additionally, the lyrics paint a picture of a deep connection, one that will remain unforgettable for both parties involved.
Line by Line Meaning
Unforgettable
You are unforgettable, forever etched in my memory.
That's what you are
You possess an unforgettable quality.
Unforgettable
Your impact remains memorable, regardless of distance or circumstance.
Tho' near or far
Regardless of our physical proximity, you continue to have an effect on me.
Like a song of love that clings to me
You have become an intrinsic part of my life and emotions, much like a love song that I cannot shake off.
How the thought of you does things to me
Merely thinking of you is enough to evoke a range of emotions and feelings within me.
Never before has someone been more
No one else has had such a profound impact on me as you have.
Unforgettable in every way
Your impact on me encompasses every aspect of my being.
And forever more, that's how you'll stay
Your influence will continue to be a permanent part of my life and memories.
That's why darling it's incredible
My amazement at your unforgettable impact on me is beyond words.
That someone so unforgettable
It is incredible that someone with such an unforgettable presence exists in this world.
Thinks that I am unforgettable too
It is humbling to know that someone with such a profound effect on me also considers me unforgettable.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Irving Gordon
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind