Durante was born in New York City, the third of four children born to Mitch Durante (1855 –1929) and Margaret Durante (1858–1936). A product of working-class New York, Durante dropped out of school in the eighth grade to become a full-time ragtime pianist, working the city circuit and earning the nickname "Ragtime Jimmy," before he joined one of the first recognizable jazz bands in New York, the Original New Orleans Jazz Band. Durante was the only member of the group who didn't hail from New Orleans. His routine of breaking into a song to deliver a joke, with band or orchestra chord punctuation after each line became a Durante trademark. In 1920, the group was renamed Jimmy Durante's Jazz Band.
Durante became a vaudeville star and radio attraction by the mid-1920s, with a music and comedy trio called Clayton, Jackson and Durante. (Lou Clayton and Eddie Jackson, probably Durante's closest friends, often reunited with Durante professionally.) By 1934, he had a major record hit, his own novelty composition "Inka Dinka Doo," and it became his signature song for practically the rest of his life. A year later, Durante starred in the Billy Rose stage musical, Jumbo, in which a police officer stopped him while leading a live elephant and asked him, "What are you doing with that elephant?" Durante's reply, "What elephant?", was a regular show-stopper.
He began appearing in motion pictures at about the same time, beginning with a comedy series pairing him with silent film legend Buster Keaton and continuing with such offerings as The Wet Parade (1932), The Man Who Came to Dinner (1942, playing Banjo, a character based on Harpo Marx), Ziegfeld Follies (1946), Billy Rose's Jumbo (1962, based on the 1935 musical) and It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1963).
I'll See You in My Dreams
Jimmy Durante Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hold you in my dreams
Someone took you out of my arms
Still I feel the thrill of your charms
Lips that once were mine
Tender eyes that shine
They will light
I'll see you in my dreams.
Repeat second verse
Good night Mrs. Calabash,
wherever you are.
The lyrics of Jimmy Durante's popular song "I'll See You in My Dreams" tell a story of heartbreak and longing. In the first verse, the singer talks about how someone has taken his beloved out of his arms, but he still feels the allure of her charm. He then speaks to his lover, saying that her lips and tender eyes that once belonged to him will light his way tonight in his dreams.
The second verse repeats the same sentiment, further emphasizing the singer's deep longing for his lost love. The song ends with the famous line "Good night Mrs. Calabash, wherever you are." This enigmatic line was actually a code phrase that Durante used often on his radio show to say goodnight to his wife, and it later came to be known as his signature sign-off.
Overall, the lyrics to "I'll See You in My Dreams" reveal a deep sense of loss and yearning that is common in many love songs. The idea of holding onto memories of a lost love through dreams is a universal theme that continues to resonate with audiences today.
Line by Line Meaning
I'll see you in my dreams
Even though we're apart, you'll always be a part of my life and I'll continue to dream about you.
Hold you in my dreams
My love for you is so strong that I'm able to imagine holding you in my arms even in my dreams.
Someone took you out of my arms
Although we were separated by circumstances, I still remember the moments when we were together and how happy we were.
Still I feel the thrill of your charms
You left an indelible mark on my heart and no matter how much time passes, the memory of your unique qualities and allure continues to excite me.
Lips that once were mine
I remember the sensation of your lips on mine and how it made me feel truly alive and passionate.
Tender eyes that shine
I recall the way your eyes looked at me with love and tenderness, and the radiance they brought to my life.
They will light
The memories of your beautiful eyes will guide and comfort me during dark times.
My way tonight
Even though you're not physically here, my memories of you will give me strength and peace.
Good night Mrs. Calabash, wherever you are.
Jimmy Durante's signature sign-off, paying tribute to his deceased friend and reframing the song as a message to anyone who has lost a loved one, reminding them that although they may be gone, they can still hold a special place in our hearts and memories.
Lyrics © DistroKid, Kanjian Music, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Gus Kahn, Isham Jones
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Debbie T.
Such lovely precious sentiments... Jimmy was such a romantic, his song's simplicity and beautiful words can make you cry...
Michael Kayfes
Every time
Ernest Lundy
Another golden Oldie from Jimmy. Very old but never loses the true meaning, the nostalgia in remembering old times and loved ones no longer with us. Great Mr Durante!
oliverdottie
I still dance with my Mom every time I hear this song, even though she's been gone 9 years.
Will&Tina Rey
Keep dancing lovely. A beautiful ode to your mom.
Sonia Lilavois
Beautiful song! now I can sing this song to my late brother who I love dearly, he has been with our Creator for the past 35 years, but I still miss him <3
Deborah Creamer
My late Father loved this tune , we played it at his funeral by Joe Brown , but this version is like he's talking to me.
Contact Info
My dad too, RIP to put dads.
Simon Welburn
Just a gorgeous song with great sentiment.
yolanda ferrer canessa
Me encanta su voz.