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.
Hit The Road To Dreamland
Jane Monheit Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You're my baby dig you in the land of nod
Hold tight baby we'll be swinging up in dreamland
All night baby where the little cherubs trot
Look at that knocked out moon
You been a-blowing his top in the blue
Never saw the likes of you
Bye bye baby time to hit the road to dreamland
Don't cry baby it was divine but the rooster has finally crowed
Time to hit the road
"To Hit the Road to Dreamland" by Jane Monheit is a song that has a lullaby-like melody and aims to send the listener off to sleep. The lyrics speak of bidding farewell and retiring for the night, a common ritual but one that is not straightforward for everyone. The first verse starts with "Bye bye baby time to hit the road to dreamland" which is a catchy line and sets the tone for the rest of the song. The singer addresses their loved one as "baby" who is asked to "dig" themselves into the "land of nod". This can be interpreted as an invitation to immerse oneself in a deep sleep.
The second verse talks about the "swinging" that the baby will experience in "dreamland" with the "little cherubs." This line is interesting because cherubs are traditionally associated with being angelic and pure. The use of the word "swinging" suggests a sense of fun and playfulness that we often associate with childhood. The singer then asks the baby to look at the "knocked-out" moon that has been left "blowing his top in the blue," which suggests that the baby has had a significant impact on the world around them. Finally, the singer reassures the baby that it is time to "hit the road," which means it is time to go to sleep.
In conclusion, "Hit The Road To Dreamland" is a comforting and gentle song that encourages restfulness. The lyrics are written in a way that feels familiar and comfortable, making it a perfect song to listen to before bed.
Line by Line Meaning
Bye bye baby time to hit the road to dreamland
Goodbye my beloved, it's time to go to sleep and enter the realm of dreams
You're my baby dig you in the land of nod
You are my darling, rest peacefully in the world of dreams
Hold tight baby we'll be swinging up in dreamland
Stay close my love, we will have a wonderful time in the land of dreams
All night baby where the little cherubs trot
We will spend the entire night where little angels play
Look at that knocked out moon
Observe the sleeping moon
You been a-blowing his top in the blue
You have been shining so brightly in the sky, it seems to have made the moon tired
Never saw the likes of you
I have never seen someone like you, so beautiful and radiant
What an angel
You are like a heavenly being
Don't cry baby it was divine but the rooster has finally crowed
Do not weep, our time together in dreamland was wonderful, but it's time to wake up and begin the day
Time to hit the road
It's time to leave and go about our day
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Harold Arlen, Johnny Mercer
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind