She was the first American singer to record at Abbey Road Studios in England. Her fan base even included Asia and the Philippines. She had 7 top hits, including "Why Don't You Believe in Me?", "Your Cheating Heart," "Almost Always," and "Have You Heard?"
She married composer Tony Acquaviva in 1956. In 1964, she dropped out of the public eye to take care of him and did so until 1986, when Mr. Acquaviva passed away. She began to tour again in the 1990's. She was given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Cold Cold Heart
Joni James Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yet you're afraid each thing I do is just some evil scheme
A memory from your lonesome past keeps us so far apart
Why can't I free your doubtful mind and melt your cold cold heart
Another love before my time made your heart sad and blue
And so my heart is paying now for things I didn't do, yes
In anger unkind words are said that make the teardrops start
The lyrics of Joni James’s Cold Cold Heart talk about a relationship that is plagued by mistrust and misunderstandings. The singer says she has tried her best to prove her love to her partner, yet he remains suspicious of her intentions, believing that she has ulterior motives. The reason for this is a painful memory from his past that continues to haunt him, causing him to distance himself from the singer. She pleads with him to let go of his doubts and fears and allow her to love him without reservation.
The second verse delves deeper into the reason for the partner’s mistrust. He had been hurt by a previous lover, and the pain has carried over into his current relationship. He lashes out in anger, using unkind words that only serve to worsen the situation and make the singer cry. Once again, she implores him to open his heart to her and to let go of the pain of the past.
The lyrics of Cold Cold Heart are a poignant reminder of the destructive power of past hurts and how they can cause pain and mistrust in current relationships. The singer’s empathetic voice and heartfelt plea for understanding make it a powerful statement on the fragility of love.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh yes man, I tried so hard my dear to show that you're my every dream
I have put in a lot of effort to make you realize that you mean everything to me
Yet you're afraid each thing I do is just some evil scheme
However, you suspect my intentions and think every action of mine is malicious
A memory from your lonesome past keeps us so far apart
Your past experiences and memories are hindering our relationship and creating distance
Why can't I free your doubtful mind and melt your cold cold heart
I wish I could remove your doubts and reservations and make you love me as deeply as I love you
Another love before my time made your heart sad and blue
You had a previous relationship that left you heartbroken and sad before I came into the picture
And so my heart is paying now for things I didn't do, yes
Unfortunately, I am the one who is now suffering and facing the consequences of actions I did not commit
In anger unkind words are said that make the teardrops start
During moments of anger, hurtful things are said that bring tears to our eyes
Why can't I free your doubtful mind and melt your cold cold heart
I am still hoping that I can break through your defenses and show you my love, so you'll hopefully reciprocate
Writer(s): SR., HANK WILLIAMS
Contributed by Adam L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Ken O'Flaherty
I bought this album when it first came out and continue to play it regularly. It's absolutely brilliant. Hank would have loved it.
Wayne Brasler
One of the first things Joni recorded for the album and it was done at a mono singles session with a different microphone than the rest of the album. But there is no way to tell! M-G-M's fabulous sound engineers were able to compensate for the microphone discrepancy and to make the mono sound like pure stereo and this in pre-computer age. At this point Joni was recording so much she would have several projects underway concurrently and she was always totally and capably in charge.
Howdey77
What a beautiful voice. I loved this era of music. I will be looking for a CD of her music. Thank you for posting singers like Joni. I do have an album of Joni's and I treasure it.
patrick ryan
People blaming others for things they did not do -- applies to so many misguided souls. Hank Williams had a marvelous insight into the human condition. This song is a very sad commentary on that condition, sad but beautiful. I would love to have met Hank -- just once, and just to thank him for all his wonderful musical contributions and heartache he had to endure to create them. He was the Stephen Foster of his century. 6/2020
Wayne Brasler
We should mention this was the only Joni James album where all three of her career music arrangers did orchestrations. They were Lew Douglas, David Terry and Chuck Sagle, who had been a protege of Lew Douglas. One reason Joni James records sound like none other is the singular work of these musical genuises.
Farida Cleopatra Ali
Never heard of her but, just fantastic.......beautiful songs
J. Bruce Fox
Wonderful to hear she is fantastic!
Reza Vaziri
Beautiful song , great lady magical voice all in one.
Robert Wilson
I have loved Joni James' music since the 1950s. When our daughter was born, we named her "Joni" in honor of this lady.
Marty Cohn
the greatest voice of my generation