One of the few white singers to come out of the New Orleans R&B/rock & roll sound (he was known as the "swamp pop R&B teenage idol"), he rode the crest of the popular teen music wave in the 1950s and '60s with such songs as 'Just a Dream' and 'Venus in Blue Jeans'. He even continued to release hits after he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1961 and served for two years.
Clanton became a disc jockey in the 1970s and performed in an oldies revue, The Masters of Rock 'n' Roll, with Troy Shondell, Ray Peterson, and Ronnie Dove. He is reputed to have had a religious conversion in the 1980s. In the 1995 Jazz Fest in New Orleans, Clanton performed with Ray Charles, Chuck Berry, and Frankie "Sea Cruise" Ford.
Clanton starred in a rock 'n' roll movie produced by Alan Freed called "Go Johnny Go," and later starred in "Teenage Millionaire."
A Letter to an Angel
Jimmy Clanton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm writing to say
That I still love you
And will, come what may
They say I won't find you
That you're in a dream
But dearest darling
I see you in the moonlight
I see you in the trees
Oh, how is it possible
To love just a dream
So angel, my angel
I'll close for today
And write you tomorrow
Please hear what I say
I see you in the moonlight
I see you in the trees
Oh, how is it possible
To love just a dream
So angel, my angel
I'll close for today
And write you tomorrow
So hear what I say
"Letter to an Angel" is a heartfelt ballad that tells a story of a man who is deeply in love with an angel. The song is a sentimental and emotional piece that expresses the singer's ongoing feelings towards the angel, who is apparently not present in his life physically; hence, he resorts to writing her letters. Despite being told that he will not find her, the man is optimistic and assures the angel that his love for her will never die. He imagines her presence wherever he goes, including in the moonlight and among tree branches. He ends by pledging to write another letter the following day.
The song's lyrics evoke feelings of longing, love, and a yearning for something almost out of reach. However, the use of the word "angel" seems to be symbolic of something more significant or ethereal. It could be interpreted as a metaphor for an ideal or perfect love that the singer has yet to find. The line "They say I won't find you, that you're in a dream" represents a roadblock or challenge that the singer is facing. The dream could be interpreted as his imagination or an unreachable ideal.
Overall, the song's message is a classic expression of love that transcends time, space, and even impossible situations. The singer's unwavering attachment and hope symbolize the deep nature of human emotions and how even the most ephemeral things can make a profound impact and connection.
Line by Line Meaning
Dearest darling
The writer addresses his beloved with an affectionate tone.
I'm writing to say
The writer is composing a letter to convey a message.
That I still love you
The writer expresses his enduring love for the recipient.
And will, come what may
The writer intends to continue loving the recipient regardless of what the future holds.
They say I won't find you
Others doubt that the writer will be able to reconcile with the recipient.
That you're in a dream
The recipient may be a figment of the writer's imagination or a fantasy.
But dearest darling
The writer still considers the recipient to be precious and beloved, regardless of others' opinions.
You're an angel to me
The writer views the recipient as a symbol of purity, beauty, and goodness.
I see you in the moonlight
The writer experiences an intense longing for the recipient, even in nature.
I see you in the trees
The writer's love for the recipient extends beyond a specific time or place.
Oh, how is it possible
The writer is astonished and perplexed by the intensity of his own feelings.
To love just a dream
The writer acknowledges that the recipient may be a fantasy, but his love persists.
So angel, my angel
The writer reaffirms the recipient's angelic qualities as a term of endearment.
I'll close for today
The writer concludes his letter for now.
And write you tomorrow
The writer intends to continue expressing his love through letters and writing.
Please hear what I say
The writer implores the recipient to listen and accept his message of love.
Contributed by Alaina A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Britischen Adligen
Dearest darling
I'm writing to say
That I still love you
And will, come what may
They say I won't find you
That you're in a dream
But dearest darling
You're an angel to me
I see you in the moonlight
I see you in the trees
Oh, how is it possible
To love just a dream
So angel, my angel
I'll close for today
And write you tomorrow
Please hear what I say
I see you in the moonlight
I see you in the trees
Oh, how is it possible
To love just a dream
So angel, my angel
I'll close for today
And write you tomorrow
So hear what I say
walter geldof
What a fantastic ballad by Jimmy Clanton. He sings the stars of Heaven. Thank you for sharing !
JoAnn Brewer
Magical song...written by Jimmy Clanton himself...love. it..!
wareidav
Just amazing. What a wonderful song.
Maria Reyes
His voice is so clear to hear, nice
Imani M
First time hearing this beautiful song 💞 I love Jimmy Clinton music
Frank Welch
Jimmy has been singing since 1958, but WELCOME TO HIS SINGINGING.
Doowopsid
First time I heard this song too! He has some great songs
Leah Skuce
Another great Singer Jimmy Clayton. Love this song and everything he sings what can I say but he is good
Charlie Sears
HE is one of the special singers that made my young life worth living
Squee Dow
Love it! Love the song! Love his voice! Love his looks! His picture was all over my room in my teen years. Not only was he cute then, he aged well. Maintained his good looks and beautiful hair into old age.