Cyprus-born (of Armenian ancestry) Canadian-American songwriter, singer, guitarist, actor, and voice actor specializing in jazz, blues, and Tin Pan Alley classics. Recognized by his Panama hat, dark sunglasses, and black tie, he first appeared on stage in Toronto, Canada, in the early 1970s. As well as music, he also appeared on film and television in acting and voice-over roles.
Redbone, who had a distinctive deep voice, began his career in the 1970s. His work encompassed pre-war jazz, ragtime, & blues styles with modern arrangements that still retain a vintage feel.
While living in Canada in the early 1970s, Redbone began performing in public at Toronto area nightclubs and folk music festivals. At one point, it was rumored that he was actually comedian Andy Kaufman, who sometimes took on other identities, or Frank Zappa, who somewhat resembled Redbone. However, Redbone has performed since the deaths of Kaufman and Zappa, and the rumors have subsided. David Letterman once proposed that he was Don Novello, the comedian famous for playing Father Guido Sarducci.
In 1974, Rolling Stone magazine ran a feature article on Redbone, a full year before he had a recording contract. The article described his performances as "so authentic you can hear the surface noise [of an old 78 rpm]." His first album, On the Track, was released by Warner Bros. Records in 1975. He was introduced to a larger public as a semi-regular musical guest on NBC's Saturday Night Live throughout the late 1970s and into the 1980s. In a late-'70s appearance on the The Merv Griffin Show, he was introduced as "Andy Kaufman ...maybe or maybe not," alluding to the eccentric comedian as being his possible true identity.
During the 1980s-90s Redbone was a frequent guest on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. It was apparent from the on-air exchanges between host and guest that Carson was a fan of Redbone's work.
Redbone survived the crash of a small plane in Clarksburg WV on Feb. 12, 1979.
Love Letters In The Sand
Leon Redbone Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We passed the time away
Writing love letters in the sand
How you laughed when I cried
Each time I saw the tide
Take our love letters from the sand
You made a vow that you would ever be true
But somehow that vow meant nothing to you
Now my broken heart aches
With every wave that breaks
Over love letters in the sand
Now my broken heart aches
With every wave that breaks
Over love letters in the sand
The lyrics of Leon Redbone's Love Letters In The Sand deal with the theme of lost love and regret. The song's narrator describes a time spent with a former lover, writing messages of love in the sand. While the couple were laughing and enjoying the moment, the tide would come and wash away their letters. The chorus reveals that the former lover had made a vow to be faithful, but failed to keep their promise, resulting in a broken heart. The singer is left with aching pain every time the waves wash away the memories of their lost love.
The lyrics are poignant and sentimental, emphasizing the transience of love and the disappointment of broken promises. The imagery of the ocean and the sand reflects the fleetingness of romantic moments, and the fact that they can disappear so quickly. The song has a melancholic mood, and the slow, wistful melody complements the feeling of nostalgia and sadness.
Line by Line Meaning
On a day like today
On a particular day which is similar to the present one
We passed the time away
We spent our time leisurely
Writing love letters in the sand
Composing missives of affection on the beach
How you laughed when I cried
You found amusement in my distress
Each time I saw the tide
Whenever I witnessed the ebb and flow of the sea
Take our love letters from the sand
Removing our sentimental notes from the shore
[Chorus:]
Refrain
You made a vow that you would ever be true
You promised to be faithful forever
But somehow that vow meant nothing to you
Yet, that pledge carried no weight for you
Now my broken heart aches
Presently, my heart feels sorrowful and distressed
With every wave that breaks
At the occurrence of each surging water mass
Over love letters in the sand
About the romantic messages on the beach
Now my broken heart aches
Presently, my heart feels sorrowful and distressed
With every wave that breaks
At the occurrence of each surging water mass
Over love letters in the sand
About the romantic messages on the beach
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: NICK A KENNY, J FRED COOTS, CHARLES F KENNY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jean Boggs
I'm 73 years old and today is the first time I've heard of Leon Redbone and I like him!!
Jim Gamble
Jean Boggs I’m a little younger but, same here! Amazing artist. 😁
Jen Yankee Caulfield
I discovered him with my family in the 70's on maybe Laugh In or the Smothers Brothers! Long time ago. We always loved him. His Christmas Island album is just great (at xmas).
Molde Fan
I know, he has that effect on people. :) Happened to me, and several of my friends. Fantastic artist, singer and musician.
James McNulty
RIP Leon. We'll miss your voice.
James McNulty
RIP Leon. We'll miss your voice.
Billy D. Bunny
Heartbreakingly beautiful. I have spent the last 4 years failing at learning guitar, and I am starting to realize how very very good Mr. Redbone is. This transports me into transports.
Walter Gray
First time I have listened to this Leon Redbone version of this great song, and I must say that I consider it to be among the best versions I have ever listened to.
Thank you for sharing this gem.
lunachick 76
if you want to just relax for a coupla minutes, this guy can make it happen.
Finbar Bevan
brilliant, i'm a new fan of his, only heard about Redbone lately.