Ludwig Elias Gluskin was born in Manhattan as first child to Elias Gluskin, a New York Dentist, and his wife Rosa Epstein. Both parents were born in Russia. From 1911-16, He attended public grade schools and DeWitt Clinton High School where Gluskin met James “Jimmy the Schnozzola” Francis Durante (1893-1980) with whom he formed a piano-drum combination for engagements at school events and private parties.
After touring Europe with Paul Whiteman’s band, Gluskin stayed on in France where, in 1927, he was offered the leadership of The Playboys, a Detroit jazz band which had been stranded in Paris; he led the group in Venice in 1927 and Paris in 1928, eventually expanding them into his own orchestra. With this ensemble, Gluskin recorded more than 700 titles in Paris and Berlin and toured Europe extensively through 1933. His sidemen included Arthur Briggs, Faustin Jeanjean, Emile Christian, Leo Vauchant, Howard Mulvany and Danny Polo.
The rise of Hitler made it difficult for Gluskin, a Jew, to find work in central Europe, and he eventually decided to leave the Continent. Upon returning to the United States, Gluskin led dance bands and worked on radio. He took the position of director of music for CBS in 1937, working out of Hollywood, and leading the orchestra on many progams, including, from the end of January 1944 to mid-July, Orson Welles’ weekly Almanac.
During this period he also worked as musical director for a number of films, including The Bashful Bachelor (1942) and Friendly Enemies (1942).
In the early 1950s he provided music for the The Burns and Allen Show.
Upon retirement he lived in Palm Springs, California.
Ain't She Sweet?
Lud Gluskin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Well see her walking down that street.
Yes I ask you very confidentially,
Ain't she sweet?
Oh ain't she nice,
Well look her over once or twice.
Yes I ask you very confidentially,
Just cast an eye
In her direction.
Oh me oh my,
Ain't that perfection?
Oh I repeat
Well don't you think that's kind of neat?
Yes I ask you very confidentially,
Ain't she sweet?
Oh ain't she sweet,
Well see her walking down that street.
Well I ask you very confidentially,
Ain't she sweet?
Oh ain't that nice,
Well look it over once or twice.
Yes I ask you very confidentially,
Ain't she nice?
Just cast an eye
In her direction.
Oh me oh my,
Ain't that perfection?
Oh I repeat
Well don't you think that's kind of neat?
Yes I ask you very confidentially,
Ain't she sweet?
Oh ain't she sweet,
Well see her walking down that street.
Well I ask you very confidentially,
Ain't she sweet?
Well I ask you very confidentially,
Ain't she sweet?
In "Ain't She Sweet," Lud Gluskin marvels at the sweetness and niceness of a girl as she walks down the street. He asks confidentially if she is sweet and nice, casting an eye in her direction and marveling at the perfection. He repeats his question, asking if anyone else thinks it's kind of neat that she is so sweet. The song is a simple yet charming tribute to the beauty that can be found in everyday life.
In many ways, "Ain't She Sweet" reflects the simplicity and charm of the Jazz Age in America. The song was first published in 1927 and became an instant hit. It has been covered by many artists over the years, including the Beatles, who included their version on their 1961 album "My Bonnie." The song has also been featured in numerous films, TV shows, and commercials.
Despite its popularity, "Ain't She Sweet" has a bittersweet history. The song was originally written by composer Milton Ager and lyricist Jack Yellen in 1927 as a love song. However, it was later appropriated by the Nazis during World War II as a propaganda song. The lyrics were changed to fit the nationalist, racist beliefs of the Third Reich, and the song was played at rallies and used as a soundtrack for anti-Semitic films. It was a painful and ironic fate for a sweet, innocent song that was meant to celebrate the beauty of everyday life.
Overall, "Ain't She Sweet" is a delightful song that captures the joy and innocence of a bygone era. It reminds us to appreciate the simple things in life and to find beauty in the everyday world around us.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh ain't she sweet,
Isn't she charming?
Well see her walking down that street.
Observe her as she strolls down the street.
Yes I ask you very confidentially,
I'm asking in strict confidence.
Ain't she sweet?
Isn't she lovely?
Oh ain't she nice,
Isn't she pleasant?
Well look her over once or twice.
Examine her a couple of times.
Just cast an eye
Just take a quick glance
In her direction.
Toward her.
Oh me oh my,
Oh my goodness!
Ain't that perfection?
Isn't she perfect?
Oh I repeat
Oh, I say again
Well don't you think that's kind of neat?
Isn't that clever?
Well I ask you very confidentially,
Again, I am asking you in confidence
Ain't she sweet?
Isn't she charming?
Oh ain't that nice,
Isn't that lovely?
Well look it over once or twice.
Observe it a couple of times.
Well I ask you very confidentially,
I'm asking you secretly again.
Ain't she nice?
Isn't she pleasant?
Well I ask you very confidentially,
Again, I am asking you in confidence
Ain't she sweet?
Isn't she charming?
Well see her walking down that street.
Observe her as she strolls down the street.
Well I ask you very confidentially,
Once more, I'm asking in secret.
Ain't she sweet?
Isn't she lovely?
Well I ask you very confidentially,
One more time, I am asking in confidence.
Ain't she sweet?
Isn't she charming?
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: MILTON AGER, JACK YELLEN, ARTHUR REBNER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind