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.
Deep Purple
Joni James Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Wo-o-oo-wo-wo,
Wo-o-oo-wo-wo,
Wo-o-oo-wo-wo
When the deep purple falls
Over sleepy garden walls
And the stars begin to twinkle in the night
In the mist of a memory
Breathing my name with a sigh
In the still of the night
Once again I hold you tight
Tho' you're gone your love lives on when light beams
And as long as my heart will beat
Sweet lover, we'll always meet
Here in my deep purple dreams
When the deep purple falls
Over sleepy garden walls
And the stars begin to twinkle
In the night
In the mist of a memory
You wander all back to me
Breathing my name with a sigh
In the still of the night
Once again I hold you tight
Tho' you're gone your love lives on when moonlight beams
And as long as my heart will beat
Sweet lover, we'll always meet
Here in my deep purple dreams
And as long as my heart will beat
Sweet lover, we'll always meet
Here in my deep purple dreams
Wo-o-oo-wo-wo,
Wo-o-oo-wo-wo,
Wo-o-oo-wo-wo
Joni James's song "Deep Purple" is a sentimental ballad that portrays the power of memories and dreams in maintaining a connection with a lost lover. The song's lyrics describe the image of "deep purple" falling over sleepy garden walls and the stars beginning to twinkle in the night, which creates a mystical atmosphere that allows the singer to remember her lost love. The memory does not fade away, even in the still of the night, as the singer still holds her lover tight and breathes his name with a sigh. The lyrics convey a sense of longing and nostalgia for a love that is gone yet still lives on in the singer's heart and dreams.
Moreover, the song's title "Deep Purple" refers not only to the color of the sky at dusk but also to the band that later covered it with a hard rock version, making it an iconic song of the 1960s. However, in James's version, the slow and dreamy melody suits the mood of the lyrics, creating a romantic and melancholic ambiance. The song's arrangement features a lush string section and a prominent saxophone solo, which enhances the song's emotional impact. In essence, Joni James's "Deep Purple" is a timeless classic that captures the universal experience of lost love and the power of dreams and memories in keeping it alive.
Line by Line Meaning
When the deep purple falls
When night falls and the sky turns a deep purple hue
Over sleepy garden walls
Covering the garden walls that surround a peaceful and sleepy location
And the stars begin to twinkle in the night
When the stars in the sky start to twinkle and shine through the darkness of the night
In the mist of a memory
During a hazy and unclear recollection of a past event
You wander all back to me
Your thoughts and memories lead you back to me
Breathing my name with a sigh
Exhaling a deep breath while saying my name, suggesting longing and sadness
In the still of the night
During the quiet and stillness of the night
Once again I hold you tight
I can feel your embrace once more
Tho' you're gone your love lives on when light beams
Although you are no longer here, your love continues to exist and shine brightly
And as long as my heart will beat
For as long as I live
Sweet lover, we'll always meet
We will always come together as lovers
Here in my deep purple dreams
In my thoughts and dreams, colored with deep purple imagery
And as long as my heart will beat
For as long as I live
Sweet lover, we'll always meet
We will always come together as lovers
Here in my deep purple dreams
In my thoughts and dreams, colored with deep purple imagery
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Peter De Rose, Mitchell Parish
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Paul Williams
One of my favorites and done very well by this young lady.
Ernesto Musngi
Nice to hear this great song again! Thanks for posting!
Deivid Torres R.
bella y deliciosa cancion que relaja ,quita el estrees y transmite mil sensaciones al cuerpo y alma,,sencillamente grans voz.
José Benedicto da Silva
Her voice is unique
Wayne Brasler
One of the few singers to sing the song as written and not interpolate an alternate melody avoiding the high notes.
CeeCeeable
@Fegen Great song...great voice! Thanks for sharing, John.*****
Nick DeStefano
Thank God, And neither are they Joni James. She stood alone with the best back then, Still a pleasure to hear. We are not comparing Apples with Oranges. NickyD
Walter Gray
Great post.
Thank you for sharing.
Francesc Ramon
Gran veu
Lee Larson
Nice voice, but terrible arrangement.