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.
I Can Dream Can't I
Joni James Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's not a joke, kid, it's a curse.
My luck is changing, it's gotten from
simply rotten to something worse
Who knows, some day I will win too.
I'll begin to reach my prime.
Now though I see what our end is,
I can't give you anything but love, baby.
That's the only thing I've plenty of,baby.
Dream awhile, scheme awhile
We're sure to find
Happiness and I guess
All those things you've always pined for.
Gee I'd like to see you looking swell, baby.
Diamond bracelets Woolworth doesn't sell, baby.
Till that lucky day you know darned well, baby.
I can't give you anything but love.
Rome wasn't built in a day, kid.
You have to pay, kid, for what you get.
But I am willing to wait, dear,
Your little mate, dear, will not forget.
You have a lifetime before you.
I'll adore you, come what may.
Please don't be blue for the present,
When it's so pleasant to hear you say
I can't give you anything but love, baby.
That's the only thing I've plenty of,baby.
Dream awhile, scheme awhile
We're sure to find
Happiness and I guess
All those things you've always pined for.
Gee I'd like to see you looking swell, baby.
Diamond bracelets Woolworth doesn't sell, baby.
Till that lucky day you know darned well, baby.
I can't give you anything but love.
The song "I Can't Give You Anything but Love" by Joni James is a melancholic song about an apologetic person who is deeply in love but cannot fulfill their loved one's dreams simply because they do not have the resources to do so. The song starts off by portraying the singer as someone who is going through a tough time, not having enough money, and always wishing for a better future. The line "Gee, but it's tough to be broke, kid. It's not a joke, kid, it's a curse" emphasizes the difficult financial situation that the singer is in.
Despite her misfortune, the singer goes on to comfort her lover by promising to stick by their side through thick and thin. She reassures her partner that someday, their luck will change, and they will be able to achieve their dreams together. The line "Dream awhile, scheme awhile. We're sure to find happiness, and I guess all those things you've always pined for" shows the singer's desire to make her partner happy in any way possible, even if she cannot materially provide for them.
The song's overall theme is about the power of love that transcends material wealth. Even though the singer cannot give her lover the luxuries of life at the moment, she still has love to offer that provides them with comfort and security. The song's tone and lyrics convey a sense of hope and optimism despite the current circumstances.
Line by Line Meaning
Gee, but it's tough to be broke, kid.
Being poor is really difficult and not fun at all.
It's not a joke, kid, it's a curse.
I'm not kidding when I say that being broke is a real hardship.
My luck is changing, it's gotten from simply rotten to something worse
Things used to be bad, but they're only getting worse.
Who knows, some day I will win too. I'll begin to reach my prime.
Maybe someday things will turn around and I'll start to see success.
Now though I see what our end is, All I can spend is just my time.
I know that we're not doing well financially, but all I have to give you is my love and my time.
I can't give you anything but love, baby. That's the only thing I've plenty of,baby.
I may not have riches or material possessions, but I have a lot of love to give you.
Dream awhile, scheme awhile, We're sure to find Happiness and I guess All those things you've always pined for.
Let's keep dreaming and planning together, and someday we'll find happiness and everything that you've ever wanted.
Gee I'd like to see you looking swell, baby. Diamond bracelets Woolworth doesn't sell, baby.
I wish I could buy you expensive things like diamond bracelets, but I can't.
Till that lucky day you know darned well, baby. I can't give you anything but love.
Until the day when we're financially stable, I can only give you my love.
Rome wasn't built in a day, kid. You have to pay, kid, for what you get.
Success takes time and hard work, and you have to put in effort to get what you want.
But I am willing to wait, dear. Your little mate, dear, will not forget.
I'm willing to be patient and wait for things to get better, and I'll always remember your love and support.
You have a lifetime before you. I'll adore you, come what may.
We have our whole lives ahead of us, and I'll always love you no matter what happens.
Please don't be blue for the present, When it's so pleasant to hear you say
Don't be sad about our current situation, because it's nice just to hear you tell me that you love me.
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Dorothy Fields, Jimmy McHugh
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
SlimJim
Joni is just a terrific singer. I just love her voice, she has had so many great songs. Thank you for posting this.
maniagoedith88@gmail.com
I never get tired of listening to this sweet and lovely Song of Joni James, the Singer with a wonderful voice. I can really dream while listening to this Song! I simply love her voice and her songs! Thank you so much catman916 for sharing. More Power!
Barry I. Grauman
The Andrews Sisters (with Patty Andrews as soloist) also had a "revival hit" of this song in early 1950.
Baú Da Syll
Thanks for sharing this song. One of my mom's favorite that I listen since I was a kid. Blessed Be!
Gary Randall
This such a beauitful tune such love song that you wish your dreams will come true
Marianne Whittaker
This is one music was really music
Jason Dante
She looks like Lea Michelle in some photos