Misty
Kessel Barney Lyrics
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I'm as helpless as a kitten up a tree
And I feel like I'm clinging to a cloud
I can't understand
I get misty, holding your hand
Walk my way
And a thousand violins begin to play
That music I hear
I get misty the moment you're near
You can say that you're leading me on
But it's just what I want you to do
Don't you realize how hopelessly I'm lost
That's why I'm following you
On my own
Would I wander through this wonderland alone
Never knowing my right foot from my left
My hat from my glove
I get misty, and too much in love
I'm too misty, and too much in love
The song Misty by Erroll Garner, which was later sung by Kessel Barney, is about being hopelessly in love. The lyrics open with the singer admitting that they are as helpless as a kitten in a tree and that they feel like they are clinging to a cloud. They then express that they cannot understand why they get misty when they hold the person's hand that they are in love with. When the person walks towards the singer, they hear the sound of a thousand violins playing or it might be the sound of that person saying hello. Regardless of where the sound is coming from, it is a beautiful sound that draws the singer in, and they admit that they get misty the moment that person is near.
The singer acknowledges that the person they are in love with may be leading them on, but they want that to happen. They believe they are hopelessly lost and unable to do anything about it. The lyrics suggest that the singer is lost in a wonderland where they do not know their right foot from their left or their hat from their glove. The song concludes with the singer admitting that they are too misty and too much in love.
Line by Line Meaning
Look at me
I am drawing your attention towards me
I'm as helpless as a kitten up a tree
I am feeling completely vulnerable and stuck in this moment
And I feel like I'm clinging to a cloud
My emotions are so intense that I feel like I am holding onto something intangible like a cloud
I can't understand
I am confused and unable to comprehend what is happening to me
I get misty, holding your hand
My emotions are overwhelming and I experience a state of mistiness when I hold your hand
Walk my way
I am requesting you to come towards me
And a thousand violins begin to play
My heart is filled with joy and music metaphorically starts playing
Or it might be the sound of your hello
The sound of your voice is enough to make me ecstatic
That music I hear
I hear music due to the happiness that you bring into my life
I get misty the moment you're near
I get overwhelmed with emotions as soon as you come near me
You can say that you're leading me on
You can claim that you are teasing me with your actions
But it's just what I want you to do
However, I am enjoying it and secretly want you to continue leading me on
Don't you realize how hopelessly I'm lost
You are unaware of how fervently I have fallen for you
That's why I'm following you
That's why I am chasing you, hoping that my love will be reciprocated
On my own
Without you by my side
Would I wander through this wonderland alone
I would feel lost without you and this beautiful world would seem meaningless if I had to experience it alone
Never knowing my right foot from my left
I would fail to distinguish between right and wrong if you were not guiding me
My hat from my glove
I would fail to differentiate between my belongings without your help
I get misty, and too much in love
My love for you is too strong and it often overwhelms me to the point of feeling misty
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Downtown Music Publishing, Spirit Music Group
Written by: ERROLL GARNER, JOHNNY BURKE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
John Bruno
Got to hear Barney play this live at a Jazz club in Tucson back in the mid 70s. It was up close and wonderful!
John Bruno
@Khajiit 47 Hey Khajiit, nice comment! Be sure to check out Johnny Smith and Howard Roberts also, both were giants in those days. Peace bro!
Khajiit 47
Must've been a great experiences. Too bad I was born in 1997 lol Wish I could have been there. I love Jazz guitar
John Bruno
P.S. He was playing this same guitar that's in the photo here
François Leduc
A smooth and accessible transcriptions from a Jazz guitar giant to finish the year. Although, It's pretty simple, it covers a lots of stylistic aspect of Barney Kessel's playing. Have fun and happy new year!
Lzzzo
François Leduc truly amazing work. Happy new years man!
Binh Pham
Thanks for all the works you have done, so helpful. Appreciate it!
falconflight guitar compositions
Barney still resonates ...for decades to come 🎸🔥
Thomas Hope
Beautiful bass playing on this recording.
gflyer45
Thanks Francois for your work. Great job. If anyone wants to spice up Misty, listen to Joe Robinson’s version.