Throughout the 1940s Guarnieri was a busy sideman, recording with artists such as Charlie Christian[/artist, Cozy Cole, Ike Quebec, Charlie Kennedy, Hank D'Amico and Ben Webster. He also led his own group called the "Johnny Guarnieri Swing Men" and recorded with them on the Savoy label, a group that included Lester Young, Hank D'Amico, Billy Butterfield and Cozy Cole. He also led a trio in the 1940s composed of himself, Slam Stewart and Sammy Weiss, recording again for Savoy. During the 1940s he also recorded for the short-lived Majestic label playing solo piano and with his trio.
In 1949 Guarnieri recorded an album with June Christy titled June Christy & The Johnny Guarnieri Quintet. Guarnieri has recorded with numerous artists, and in his later years he shifted more toward jazz education. In commemoration of his reputation as a teacher, Guarnieri's students financed a label for him called Taz Jazz Records.
In the 1970s Guarnieri recorded numerous albums on his new label, and until 1982 worked "Tail of the Cock" nightclub in Studio City, California. He died onstage during a performance with Dick Sudhalter.
temptation
Johnny Guarnieri Lyrics
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I should have known you were temptation
You smiled, luring me on
My heart was gone, you were temptation
It would be thrilling
If you were willing
If it can never be
Pity me for you are temptation and I am yours
Here is my heart, take it and say
We'll never part
I'm just a slave
Only a slave to you, temptation
You were born to be kissed
I can't resist.
You are temptation and I am yours
Here is my heart, take it and say
We'll never part
I'm just a slave
Only a slave to you, temptation
In Johnny Guarnieri's song "Temptation," the lyrics tell a story of a person who is lured in by the temptation of another. The first stanza tells us that the singer is alone when the other person arrives. They didn't realize that this new person was the embodiment of temptation until they begin to lure them in with a smile. The singer is powerless against their advances and their heart belongs to the tempter.
The chorus of the song is where the singer lays bare their emotions. They find the idea of being with this person thrilling, but they know that it can't happen. The singer pities themselves for being so drawn to someone who is ultimately their downfall. In the second verse, the singer offers their heart to the tempter, admitting that they are nothing but a slave to their desires. The lyric "You were born to be kissed, I can't resist" shows just how captivated the singer is by the tempter.
As a whole, the song captures the feeling of being powerless in the face of temptation. Even though the singer knows that being with this person is ultimately detrimental to them, they can't help but be captivated by the person's allure.
Line by Line Meaning
You came, I was alone
When you arrived, I had no one around me
I should have known you were temptation
I should have been aware that you were a source of desired but harmful things
You smiled, luring me on
Your smile enticed me and provoked me to continue
My heart was gone, you were temptation
I lost my heart to you as you were a source of irresistible desire
It would be thrilling
It would be exciting
If you were willing
If you were agreeable or ready to do what I want
If it can never be
If what I want is not possible, unlikely, or prohibited
Pity me for you are temptation and I am yours
Feel compassionate towards me as I am strongly drawn to you and under your influence
Here is my heart, take it and say
I am offering you my heart, take it and respond positively
We'll never part
We will always be together
I'm just a slave
I am under your complete control
Only a slave to you, temptation
I am exclusively at your service as you are a source of desirable but harmful things
You were born to be kissed
You were created for the purpose of being kissed and showing intimacy
I can't resist.
I am unable to refuse you
You are temptation and I am yours
You are a source of desired but harmful things and I am exclusively at your service
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, BMG Rights Management, ANTHEM ENTERTAINMENT LP, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: LARRY JOHNSON, LARRY CURTIS JOHNSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind