In 1957 while still in high school, Tillotson was making records and performing on stage; as a student at the University of Florida, he had his own musical variety show on regional television. Following graduation in 1959 with a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and Communications, he signed with Cadence Records and moved to New York City to pursue his music career. In 1960, he recorded his first hit, a composition entitled "Poetry in Motion" (written by Anthony/Kaufman), that went to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. and #1 on the UK Singles Chart.
A "crossover" artist, several of Tillotson's songs were successful on both the country music charts and pop charts. He earned a Grammy Award nomination for another of his own compositions, "It Keeps Right On a-Hurtin," and also for the song "Heartaches by the Number," nominated for Best Vocal Performance of 1965. He also appeared in the 1963 film "Just for Fun" and sang the theme song for the 1965 Sally Field television comedy "Gidget".
In a career spanning more than 40 years, Tillotson has recorded 26 singles that made it onto Billboard's charts, and performed at venues across the United States and other places around the globe.
He was featured in the 1966 camp comedy The Fat Spy starring Jayne Mansfield, Jack E. Leonard, Phyllis Diller, Brian Donlevy and Jordan Christopher & the Wild Ones. This film was featured in the 2004 documentary The 50 Worst Movies Ever Made (#46).
What'll I Do
Johnny Tillotson Lyrics
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Writer Irving Berlin
Gone is the romance That once was devine It's broken and cannot be mended You must go your way And I must go mine But now that our love dreams have ended.... What'll I do when you are far away And I am blue, What'll I do? What'll I do when I am wond'ring who Is kissing you, What'll I do? What'll I do With just a photograph to tell my troubles to? When I'm alone with only dreams of you That won't come true, What'll I do?
The song "What'll I Do" by Johnny Tillotson is a classic rendition of a song written by Irving Berlin. The lyrics describe the aftermath of a failed romance and the singer's feelings of loneliness and heartbreak. The opening lines set the tone for the rest of the song, as the singer reflects on the once "divine" romance that is now irreparable.
The chorus of the song expresses the singer's anxiety and sadness about being separated from their former partner. They ask, "What'll I do when you are far away and I am blue?" and "What'll I do when I am wond'ring who is kissing you?" These lines convey a sense of desperation and vulnerability that is characteristic of many love songs.
The final verse of the song highlights the singer's sense of isolation and despair. They ask, "What'll I do with just a photograph to tell my troubles to?" and speak of being "alone with only dreams of you that won't come true." These lines touch on the universal experience of heartbreak and the struggle to move on from a failed relationship.
Overall, "What'll I Do" is a poignant and emotional song that captures the essence of lost love and the pain of separation. Its timeless lyrics and melody have resonated with audiences for generations, and it remains a classic example of the power of a well-crafted love song.
Line by Line Meaning
Gone is the romance
The romance that we once shared has come to an end
That once was devine
Our romance was once heavenly and wonderful
It's broken and cannot be mended
Our once beautiful relationship has been shattered beyond repair
You must go your way
You must move forward with your life
And I must go mine
I must do the same
But now that our love dreams have ended....
Although our love dreams have ended, I still long for you
What'll I do when you are far away
What will I do when you are gone and I feel alone?
And I am blue, What'll I do?
How will I cope when I'm feeling sad and depressed?
What'll I do when I am wond'ring who
What will I do when I wonder who is with you?
Is kissing you, What'll I do?
And the thought of you being with someone else hurts me deeply
What'll I do With just a photograph to tell my troubles to?
All I have left of you is a photograph, and I have only myself to talk to when I feel down
When I'm alone with only dreams of you
When I'm alone with nothing but my thoughts of you
That won't come true, What'll I do?
And the realization that our dreams will never come true is heartbreaking
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Irving Berlin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind