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.
Have You Heard
Joni James Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Do you think he's blue?
Did he say we're through?
Has he found someone new?
Have you seen the way he looks now?
Does he act the same when he hears my name?
Does he say who's to blame?
My nights are long and lonely
I miss him so
Each new tomorrow can only bring me sorrow
I love him so
Have you heard of their wedding day?
Rumors come and go
Still I'd like to know
If it's true, won't you tell me?
Have you heard?
Have you heard of their wedding day?
Rumors come and go
Still I'd like to know
If it's true, won't you tell me?
Have you heard?
In "Have You Heard", Joni James expresses her heartbreak over a past relationship. She asks her friend if she knows if her ex-boyfriend has moved on and found someone new. She wonders if he still thinks of her and if he still feels the same way about her as he did before. She also asks if her friend has heard rumors about him getting married, which would confirm that he has indeed moved on.
The song portrays the feelings of sadness and loneliness that come with the end of a relationship. Joni James sings with a vulnerable voice, conveying the pain that comes with heartbreak. The lyrics also touch on the idea of closure and the need to know the truth about one's ex-partner's current life.
Overall, "Have You Heard" is a classic breakup song that captures the emotions of heartbreak and longing. It speaks to anyone who has gone through a tough breakup and is grappling with feelings of loss and uncertainty.
Line by Line Meaning
Have you heard who's kissing him now?
Have you been informed of who is currently romantically involved with him?
Do you think he's blue?
Do you believe that he is feeling sad or down?
Did he say we're through?
Did he explicitly state that our romantic relationship is over?
Has he found someone new?
Has he started seeing someone else?
Have you seen the way he looks now?
Have you observed his current appearance and demeanor?
Does he act the same when he hears my name?
Does he react in the same manner upon hearing my name?
Does he say who's to blame?
Does he express whose fault our separation is?
My arms are empty
I am physically devoid of his presence and affection
My nights are long and lonely
My nights last an extended period of time and are accompanied by feelings of solitude and desolation
I miss him so
I yearn for his company and presence intensely
Each new tomorrow can only bring me sorrow
I anticipate that every upcoming day will only bring me grief and misery
I love him so
I harbor deep and tender feelings of affection for him
Have you heard of their wedding day?
Have you been informed about the speculated day they plan to get married?
Rumors come and go
Gossip and hearsay circulate around the town but often prove to be unsubstantiated
Still I'd like to know
Nevertheless, I am curious to learn about their supposed wedding plans
If it's true, won't you tell me?
If their wedding plans are indeed factual, would you kindly inform me?
Have you heard?
Have you heard any information regarding their rumored wedding plans?
Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, BMG Rights Management
Written by: Frank Lavere, Leroy Rodde, Lew Douglas
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Eric Serlin
My sister Joni was named after Joni James when she was born in 1954. My sister passed away in 2012 at the age of 57. I loved her and the name my folks picked because of this fabulous singer!
PLT 108
Eric--Damn, Your post is good. That you honor your sister is radiant and mentoring for all of us here...My parents, My father was WWII vet, thought Joni James was a younger upstart singer but we had 78 rpm records of her songs...
John Baginski
Joni was one of the best singers in the 1950's. She had many top hits her song "Why don't you believe me"was number 1 for many weeks on the top ten in 1953 she will always be remembered as one of the best.
Jim Anderson
When I listen to Joni again, "I Get That Old Feeling". She tops my list of female vocalist of all time
Arthur Alcoser
Mine too
Opaula Morgan
I remember "why Don't You Believe Me," and "Have You Heard," and loving the voice of Joni James, and when I hear the Duprees sing these songs, I think, Joni James sang them first, and they really were her songs! RIP Joni James, 9/22/1930 - 2/20/2022❤️
Sophia YT
I was in the Air force in 1955, Basic Training At Sampson Air Force Base. Every evening in the Chow Hall they played all of Joni's tear jerker songs over the loud speaker. Most of us, the first time away from home. You could see the tears flow. Always loved her, still have most of her songs.
David Barnett
My god, that is so beautiful and smooth. What a treasure. Even though I was around 9 years of age, I remember that song and all the great early 50's pop music that imprinted on my soul. She sounds so delicate.
Arby Edwards
I was in the army hospital in Tokyo in 1953 and someone had a radio and we listened to Joni James all the time. Hearing her now sure brings back some memories.
Lee Nelson
I was at Tachikawa AFB just outside of Tokyo in the mid 50's with her music.