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.
Guilty
Joni James Lyrics
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And think that we should part
It seems as though I have loved you so long
You'll always be in my heart
Is it a sin
Is it a crime
Loving you dear like I do
Guilty of loving you
Maybe I'm wrong dreaming of you
Dreaming the lonely night through
If it's a crime then I'm guilty
Guilty of dreaming of you
What can I do
What can I say
After I've taken the blame?
You say we're through
You'll go your way
But I'll always feel just the same
Maybe I'm right
Maybe I'm wrong
Loving you dear like I do
If it's a crime then I'm guilty
Guilty of loving you
In Joni James's song Guilty, she sings about a love that is deemed inappropriate or unacceptable by society. Even though her lover has decided that they cannot be together, James has loved him for so long that he will always be in her heart. She wonders if it is a sin or a crime to love someone like this, and ultimately concludes that if it is, then she is guilty of loving him. She acknowledges that her dreams of him may also be considered a crime, but she cannot help the way she feels.
The lyrics of Guilty are powerful in their expression of forbidden love and the feelings of helplessness that often accompany it. It is a relatable message that has resonated with listeners for decades. The emotions that James conveys through her vocals are raw and genuine, and her performance has made the song a classic.
Overall, Guilty is a testimony to the strength of love, even in the face of adversity. The lyrics perfectly capture the anguish and conflict that arise when two people are in love but cannot be together.
Line by Line Meaning
Though you've decided that our love is wrong
Although you have concluded that our love is not acceptable
And think that we should part
And believe that we should end our relationship
It seems as though I have loved you so long
It appears that I have been in love with you for a long time
You'll always be in my heart
You will always have a place in my heart
Is it a sin
Is it an immoral act
Is it a crime
Is it a violation of the law
Loving you dear like I do
Loving you with the intensity that I feel
If it's a crime then I'm guilty
If it is considered an offense, then I accept responsibility
Guilty of loving you
Responsible for loving you passionately
Maybe I'm wrong dreaming of you
Perhaps it is incorrect for me to dream of you
Dreaming the lonely night through
Spending the whole night dreaming in solitude
Guilty of dreaming of you
Responsible for dreaming about you frequently
What can I do
What actions can I take
What can I say
What words can I utter
After I've taken the blame?
After admitting to being at fault?
You say we're through
You indicate that we are finished
You'll go your way
You will proceed with your life
But I'll always feel just the same
However, I will continue to feel the same way
Maybe I'm right
Perhaps I am correct
Maybe I'm wrong
Possibly I am mistaken
Loving you dear like I do
Having such intense love for you
If it's a crime then I'm guilty
If it is a violation of the law, then I take responsibility
Guilty of loving you
Holding myself responsible for loving you with such intensity
Lyrics © DistroKid, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Harry Akst, Gus Kahn, Richard A. Whiting
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind