Jimmy Raney began his jazz guitar career very early with the history showing he played in the Jerry Wald band in 1944 at age 17.
In 1946 he worked for a time as guitarist with the Max Miller Quartet at Elmer's in Chicago, his first paying gig. Raney also worked in the Artie Shaw Orchestra and collaborated with Woody Herman for nine months in 1948. He also collaborated and recorded with Buddy DeFranco, Al Haig and later on with Bob Brookmeyer. In 1967 alcoholism and other professional difficulties led him to leave New York City and return to his native Louisville. He resurfaced in the 1970s and also did work with his son Doug, who is also a guitarist. Raney suffered for thirty years from Meniere's Disease, a degenerative condition that eventually led to near complete deafness in both ears. Fortunately, his playing remained unaffected. Raney died of heart failure in Louisville Ky. on May 10th of 1995, just short of his 68th birthday. An obituary in the New York Times referred to Jimmy Raney as 'one of the most gifted and influential postwar jazz guitarists in the world .
Someone to Watch Over Me
Jimmy Raney Lyrics
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Still were often told, seek and ye shall find
So I'm going to seek a certain lad I've had in mind
Looking everywhere, haven't found him yet
Hes the big affair I cannot forget
Only man I ever think of with regret
I'd like to add his initial to my monogram
There's a somebody I'm longing to see
I hope that he turns out to be
Someone who'll watch over me
I'm a little lamb who's lost in the wood
I know I could always be good
Someone who'll watch over me
Although he may not be the man some
Girls think of as handsome
To my heart he carries the key
Won't you tell him please to put on some speed
Follow my lead, oh, how I need
Someone to watch over me
The lyrics of Jimmy Raney's "Someone to Watch Over Me" are a plea for a lover to come and rescue the singer from her lonely existence. The opening lines set up the theme of the song, with the age-old proverb that "love is blind" suggesting that our hearts are not always rational when it comes to matters of the heart. The second line, "Seek and ye shall find," is a Biblical allusion that also implies that the singer is actively searching for her soulmate. The phrase "certain lad" suggests that the singer already has someone in mind but has not yet found him.
The middle section of the song pays homage to the object of the singer's desire. The line "he's the big affair I cannot forget" suggests that this person was a significant love interest in the singer's past. She regrets not being with him and even wants to put his initial in her monogram, signifying her love for him. The lyric "where is the shepherd for this lost lamb?" showcases her vulnerability as she seeks someone to take care of her.
The final verse of the song is a request for someone to watch over her. She wants someone to be there for her, to protect her and to love her. She reminds the listener that, even though this person may not be traditionally handsome, they hold the key to her heart. She implores him to "put on some speed," indicating that she cannot wait much longer for her savior to come.
Line by Line Meaning
There's a saying old says that love is blind
An old saying suggests that love does not rely on looks or appearances.
Still were often told, seek and ye shall find
Despite this, we are encouraged to actively search for love.
So I'm going to seek a certain lad I've had in mind
I have someone specific in mind and I'm searching for him.
Looking everywhere, haven't found him yet
Despite my efforts, I have not yet found the person I am looking for.
Hes the big affair I cannot forget
He is a significant person in my life that I cannot forget.
Only man I ever think of with regret
He is the only man that I think of with regret.
I'd like to add his initial to my monogram
I want to include his initial along with mine as a symbol of our relationship.
Tell me, where is the shepherd for this lost lamb?
I feel lost and in need of someone to guide me in the right direction towards him.
There's a somebody I'm longing to see
I have a strong desire to see this person.
I hope that he turns out to be
I hope that he will meet my expectations and be the person I am seeking.
Someone who'll watch over me
I am looking for someone to protect me and care for me.
I'm a little lamb who's lost in the wood
I am vulnerable and in need of direction.
I know I could always be good
I am capable of being a good partner and am worthy of love.
Someone who'll watch over me
I am still searching for someone to protect and care for me.
Although he may not be the man some
He may not be considered attractive by others.
Girls think of as handsome
Women typically find attractive in men.
To my heart he carries the key
He has the ability to unlock my heart and emotions.
Won't you tell him please to put on some speed
Please ask him to hurry and come to me.
Follow my lead, oh, how I need
I am leading the way towards a relationship and need someone to follow and reciprocate.
Someone to watch over me
I am still searching for a caring and protective partner.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: IRA GERSHWIN, GEORGE GERSHWIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind