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.
Whispering
Joni James Lyrics
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Gorgeous and dressed in blue
Don't worry I'm not looking at you
Gorgeous and dressed in blue
I know it drives you crazy
When I pretend you don't exist
When I'd like to lean in close
And run my hands against your lips
Still I sense there's a rapport
So whisper me your number
I'll call you up at home
Whisper me your number
I'll call you up at home
Don't worry I'm not looking at you
Don't worry I'm not looking at you
Gorgeous and dressed in blue
Don't worry I'm not looking at you
I know you see me see you
As you see me walk on past
When there's nothing more I'd like to do
Then come in close and hear you laugh
Though we haven't even spoken
Still I sense there's a rapport
So whisper me your number
I'll call you up at home
Yea whisper me your number
I'll call you up at home
Whisper me your number
I'll call you up at home
Hmm whisper me your number
I'll call you up at home
The song "Whispering" by Joni James is a seductive, yet playful tune about a potential romantic encounter between two strangers. The song opens with the singer’s direct address to her subject, stating "Don't worry, I'm not looking at you, gorgeous and dressed in blue." She continues to tease her object of affection by pretending not to notice him, despite her clear attraction. The singer confesses that the idea of running her hands against the lips of this stranger drives her crazy, and expresses the desire to learn more about him by enticing him to whisper his phone number, assuring him that she will call him at home.
The lyrics of the entire song have a seductive essence to them, making it clear that the artist is interested in pursuing something more with the person she's addressing in the song, even though they haven't spoken a word. However, James manages to maintain a sense of distance by keeping it light-hearted and playful. It's as though she's simply exploring the idea of a romantic relationship while leaving it up to chance whether the encounter goes any further.
Overall, the song is a masterful exploration of attraction, and seduction. It taps into the fleeting, yet powerful emotions that can be present between two strangers, when there exists the possibility of a deeper connection. It's a style that has been emulated by countless artists across many genres, and one whose influence continues to be felt in music today.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't worry I'm not looking at you
I don't want you to feel uncomfortable with my gaze on you
Gorgeous and dressed in blue
You look stunning today in that blue attire
I know it drives you crazy
I know my indifference towards you affects you
When I pretend you don't exist
When I act as if I have not seen you
When I'd like to lean in close
I have an urge to get close to you
And run my hands against your lips
Caressing your lips with my hands is all I can think of
Though we haven't even spoken
We have not interacted yet
Still I sense there's a rapport
I feel a connection between us
So whisper me your number
Can you share your phone number with me privately?
I'll call you up at home
I'll contact you later through a call
I know you see me see you
I know you have noticed me looking at you
As you see me walk on past
As I move away from you
When there's nothing more I'd like to do
When being close to you is all I desire
Then come in close and hear you laugh
All I want is to be near you and hear your laughter
Hmm whisper me your number
Can you please tell me your phone number?
I'll call you up at home
I promise to call you later at your home number
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Richard Coburn, Vincent Rose, John Schonberger
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind