Gary was considered by many to be one of the best crooners due to his extaordinary breath control and tonal quality of his voice. He had an exceptionally wide range of three octaves.
Gary was a stylized singer, who recorded 23 albums for RCA Victor Records. His singing ranged from robust baritone to a high sweet tenor often in the same song. Most popular songs of their time - suited to his intimate style - and they were among his recordings.
Gary sang in movies, on Broadway, had his own television show, and appeared at Carnegie Hall, with numerous symphonies. He appeared 30 times as a guest on the The Tonight Show with Jack Parr, Steve Allen and Johnny Carson. He traveled across the U.S. and Canada with approximately 40 concerts per year. For six years he gave Community concerts in over 400 cities and towns.
Considered handsome, personable, and very talented, Gary never quite became a household name. Possibly because his wide range was difficult for fans to sing along to; also his career peaked at the same time as the Beatles, whose unique popularity displaced the works of many artists of the time.
Gary was sometimes called the singer's singer because only another singer could fully appreciate what he was able to do with his voice. Most crooners were able to sing sweetly within a limited range, but Gary was able to carry what is known as a mezza voce up to beyond the staff. What often sounded like falsetto was almost always a legitimate tone.
One of his other talents was his seemingly endless supply of breath (no doubt aided by the fact Gary held several underwater swimming records). In addition to his impeccable phrasing, he artfully shaded words to convey the emotional content of the song. He was a crossover artist before the term was invented, and his 400 community concerts brought pop music to the concert stage. In 1960 he joined ASCAP and composed several popular songs. RCA has reissued some of his recordings and classy 92 track box is now available on the Collectables label.
Without a Song
John Gary Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Without a song the road would never bend
When things go wrong a man ain't got a friend
Without a song
That field of corn would never see a plow
That field of corn would be deserted now
A man is born but he's no good no how
Without a song
And I'll get along as long as a song, strong in my soul
I'll never know what makes the rain to fall
I'll never know what makes that grass so tall
I only know there ain't no love at all
Without a song
I've-a got my trouble and woe and, sure as I know, the Jordan will roll
And I'll get along as long as a song, strong in my soul
I'll-a never know what makes that rain to fall
I'll never know what makes the grass so tall
I only know there ain't no love at all
Without a song
John Gary’s song “Without a Song” is a poignant and insightful look at the essential role that music plays in our lives. Right from the opening lines “Without a song the day would never end, Without a song the road would never bend” the lyrics are imbued with a sense of longing and loss that is only alleviated by the power of music. The song suggests that music is an essential part of human experience, so much so that without it life would be empty and meaningless. This perspective is reinforced throughout the song, with the lyrics “When things go wrong a man ain't got a friend, That field of corn would never see a plow” drawing attention to the healing power of music during difficult times.
The chorus of the song, “I got my trouble and woe but, sure as I know, the Jordan will roll, And I'll get along as long as a song, strong in my soul” is a particularly powerful affirmation of the importance of music in our lives. The metaphor of the Jordan river rolling suggests that music can help us to overcome the challenges that we face in life, providing a sense of comfort and healing that is essential for our well-being. Ultimately, “Without a Song” is a powerful ode to the importance of music in our lives, reminding us that without it life would be lacking in meaning, purpose, and joy.
Line by Line Meaning
Without a song the day would never end
If there were no music to listen to, time would eventually become meaningless and monotonous.
Without a song the road would never bend
Music helps to create a sense of flow and rhythm in life, without which everything would be straight and predictable.
When things go wrong a man ain't got a friend
Without a song
Music can act as a comforting friend when everything else seems to be going wrong and no one is there to offer support.
That field of corn would never see a plow
That field of corn would be deserted now
A man is born but he's no good no how
Without a song
Music can inspire and motivate people to accomplish great things, without it the world would lack innovation and creativity.
I got my trouble and woe but, sure as I know, the Jordan will roll
And I'll get along as long as a song, strong in my soul
Music can provide strength and motivation during tough times, bringing hope and faith that things will eventually get better.
I'll never know what makes the rain to fall
I'll never know what makes that grass so tall
I only know there ain't no love at all
Without a song
Music is a divine mystery, like the forces of nature that we can't explain. It is what brings love into people's lives and without it we would be lost.
I've-a got my trouble and woe and, sure as I know, the Jordan will roll
And I'll get along as long as a song, strong in my soul
Music can serve as a constant reminder that life will go on and that we will always have the strength to endure anything that comes our way.
I'll-a never know what makes that rain to fall
I'll never know what makes the grass so tall
I only know there ain't no love at all
Without a song
Without music, life would be devoid of the beauty and interconnectedness that make it worth living. There would be no love or passion, only emptiness.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Edward Eliscu, Billy Rose, Vincent Youmans
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Betty Townsend
Another great arrangement sung by my favorite singer. How great to sit here and listen to hours of John Gary. How kind of you to make these song available to seniors of the world.
renault fivespeed
Thanks for posting this great record by a great artist!
Phillip Primrose
renault fivespeed Very Happy you enjoyed it!
Julia Atkinson
My favourite version of this wonderful song!
david evans
Best version I've heard of this song rip
Phillip Primrose