Joni James was born Giovanna Joan Carmella Babbo on Sept. 22, 1930 in Chica… Read Full Bio ↴Joni James was born Giovanna Joan Carmella Babbo on Sept. 22, 1930 in Chicago, IL. In her early years, she studied drama & ballet. After high school she toured Canada with a dance group. After taking a job as a chorus girl, she decided to pursue a singing career. MGM executives saw her in a TV commercial and she was signed by MGM in 1952.

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.

Embraceable You
Joni James Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Embrace me, my sweet embraceable you!
Embrace me, you irreplaceable you!

Just one look at you
My heart grew tipsy in me,
You and you alone
Bring out the gypsy in me!

I love all, the many charms about you!
Above all, I want my arms about you!

Don't be a naughty baby,

Come to papa, come to papa, do!
My sweet embraceable you!

Overall Meaning

In Joni James's "Embraceable You," the artist asks for her lover to embrace her. The song is a romantic tribute to the lover as she exclaims their irreplaceable quality. She describes how just looking at the lover made her heart tipsy and brings out the gypsy within her. She goes on to say that she loves everything about the lover and that she wants nothing more than to be embraced by them. The song ends on a playful note, with the artist beckoning her lover to come to her like a child to their papa.

The lyrics are rich in emotion, painting a vivid picture of the depth of the artist's feelings. The phrase "embraceable you" is particularly powerful, signifying the desire to hold onto someone tightly and intimately. The song's upbeat rhythm and melody perfectly complement the romantic lyrics, making "Embraceable You" a classic love song.

Line by Line Meaning

Embrace me, my sweet embraceable you!
Hold me tightly, my dear and irreplaceable love!

Embrace me, you irreplaceable you!
Hug me, my unique and incomparable sweetheart!

Just one look at you
A mere glimpse of you

My heart grew tipsy in me,
Made my heart dizzy and elated

You and you alone
Only you

Bring out the gypsy in me!
Awaken the adventurer in my soul!

I love all, the many charms about you!
I adore every little thing about you!

Above all, I want my arms about you!
Most of all, I crave your embrace!

Don't be a naughty baby,
Don't be mischievous

Come to papa, come to papa, do!
Come to me, my beloved!

My sweet embraceable you!
My darling, hold me close!