Born in Oakdale, New York on Long Island, Monheit began singing professionally while attending Connetquot High School. At 17, she began studying at the Manhattan School of Music in New York City under the tutelage of Peter Eldridge. At the age of 20, as a senior, she won the first runner-up prize at the 1998 Thelonious Monk Institute Vocal Competition. In 1999, she received her Bachelor's degree in music.
Monheit's voice has been compared to that of Ella Fitzgerald, whom she lists as one of her influences. Songs she has recorded range from jazz standards to MGM/RKO musicals of the 1930s-1950s and Brazilian rhythms such as "Começar de novo".
Monheit released her debut album, Never Never Land in October 2000 and it became an instant success. This was followed shortly by her second album, Come Dream With Me (May 2001) and her third, In The Sun (October 2002).
Her fourth album, Live at the Rainbow Room, was released in December 2003. A similarly-titled DVD was released to complement the CD.
Her fifth album, Taking a Chance on Love, was released in September 2004. It debuted at the #1 spot on Billboard's traditional jazz chart and entered Billboard's top 100 pop chart the first week it was released. The album included the song Over the Rainbow, which had been included in her previous release recorded at the Rainbow Room, and also in the soundtrack for the film, Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow.
The Taking a Chance on Love DVD was released in March 2005 and contains performances from the Brecon Jazz Festival in Wales, UK. Monheit released her sixth album, The Season, in October 2005. Her first holiday-themed album, it debuted in the top 10 on Billboard's jazz chart. Monheit told jazzreview.com that it was inspired by Ella Fitzgerald's holiday album, Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas.
The singer recently signed a recording contract with Concord Records. Her most recent album, Surrender, debuted at #1 on Billboard's jazz chart.
Embraceable You
Jane Monheit Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Embrace me, you irreplaceable you!
Just one look at you
My heart grew tipsy in me,
You and you alone
Bring out the gypsy in me!
Above all, I want my arms about you!
Don't be a naughty baby,
Come to papa, come to papa, do!
My sweet embraceable you!
The lyrics to Jane Monheit's "Embraceable You" are a sweet ode to a loved one, inviting an irresistible embrace. The opening lines, "Embrace me, my sweet embraceable you! Embrace me, you irreplaceable you!" set the romantic tone for the song, with the singer longing for the deep connection that comes with an embrace from their significant other. As the song progresses, the singer's infatuation with their love interest is clear, with lines like "Just one look at you, my heart grew tipsy in me" and "You and you alone, bring out the gypsy in me."
The bridge of the song, "I love all, the many charms about you! Above all, I want my arms about you!" further emphasizes the singer's desire for physical connection and affection. The final lines, "Don't be a naughty baby, come to papa, come to papa, do! My sweet embraceable you!" add a playful twist to the otherwise tender lyrics, suggesting a more lighthearted approach to the request for an embrace.
Overall, "Embraceable You" is a classic love song that beautifully captures the emotions of longing, infatuation, and desire for physical intimacy with a loved one.
Line by Line Meaning
Embrace me, my sweet embraceable you!
Hold me close, my darling, there's no one quite like you.
Embrace me, you irreplaceable you!
Hug me, my unique and precious one.
Just one look at you
The sight of you alone
My heart grew tipsy in me,
My heart started to race and feel dizzy
You and you alone
Only you
Bring out the gypsy in me!
Make me feel restless and wanderlust.
I love all, the many charms about you!
I adore every wonderful quality you possess.
Above all, I want my arms about you!
Most importantly, I desire to hold you closely.
Don't be a naughty baby,
Don't act mischievous or disobedient, my dear.
Come to papa, come to papa, do!
Come here to your father's embrace, please!
My sweet embraceable you!
You are my darling, the one I want to hold close always.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Unison Rights S.L., Songtrust Ave, Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind