I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm
Mildred Bailey & Red Norvo & His Orchestra Lyrics


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The snow is snowing
The wind is blowing
But I can weather the storm
Why do I care how much it may storm
I've got my love to keep me warm

I can't remember
A worse December
Just watch those icicles from
Why do I care if icicles form
I've got my love to keep me warm

Off with my overcoat
Off with gloves
I need no overcoat
I'm burning with love

My heart's on fire
The flame grows higher
So I will weather the storm




Why do I care how much it may storm
I've got my love to keep me warm

Overall Meaning

Mildred Bailey's "I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm" is a profound song about the power of love. The song begins by painting a picture of a brutal winter climate complete with heavy snow and strong winds. Despite the harsh weather, the singer acknowledges that they can weather the storm because they have their love to keep them warm. This demonstrates that the emotional warmth from the love they share is enough to sustain them. Furthermore, this warmth is powerful enough to overcome physical adversities like the snowstorm in the song.


The chorus then elaborates on how the power of love makes even the worst December feel like a warm summer day. The narration mentions the formation of icicles, but it doesn't matter because they have love that keeps their hearts and souls warm. The overcoat and gloves become unnecessary as they burn with love. The song reaches its climax in the last verse, as the singer proclaims that their heart's on fire, and the flame grows higher. This flame of passion for their lover gives them the strength to endure any form of winter storms.


"I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm" is a charming and honestly romantic song. The message is that true love and passion are enough to endure any challenge or adversity. The fact that love burns hotter than the coldest winter's day makes the singer confident and reassured. Furthermore, throughout the song, the theme of warmth contends with the coldness, suggesting that love can provide the emotional warmth that we all crave. The song also implies that love is a powerful bond between two individuals, which can endure over time, through thick and thin.


Line by Line Meaning

The snow is snowing
It is snowing outside


The wind is blowing
The wind is blowing outside


But I can weather the storm
I can handle whatever difficulties come my way


Why do I care how much it may storm
I am not concerned about the severity of the storm


I've got my love to keep me warm
My love for someone is enough to keep me happy and content


I can't remember
I cannot recall


A worse December
A December worse than this one


Just watch those icicles form
Just look at those icicles forming


Off with my overcoat
I am taking off my overcoat


Off with gloves
I am taking off my gloves


I need no overcoat
I do not require an overcoat


I'm burning with love
I am filled with a passionate love


My heart's on fire
My heart is burning with love


The flame grows higher
The intensity of my love continues to increase


So I will weather the storm
I can handle anything that may come my way




Lyrics © IMAGEM U.S. LLC
Written by: FRANCOIS JOSEPH CHARLES SALABERT, IRVING BERLIN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@Trombonology

I recall reading a comment from Mildred, in which she explained that she had an immediate idea of how she would interpret her material. Whether instinct or a tremendous capacity for empathy with the songwriters, the effect is always powerful. This irresistible treatment of my favorite Berlin tune is Ms. Bailey at her most joyous -- you can just see her smile as she flings off her overcoat. The band, whose sound was sculpted by the modern-thinking Norvo and arranger Eddie Sauter when he was at his best, displays its characteristic lightness, unburdened by non-essential brass or reeds. After Mildred's chorus, the modulation from Bb to G is cleverly executed and then Red comes in like one of Santa's merry elves for his sixteen bars. The bridge, halved by first trombone and reeds and then Herbie Haymer's swinging tenor, is snazzy, and then the trumpets emerge from a punctuating role to take center stage, with Stew Pletcher stepping out front for the last eight bars. Red again scampers in for the coda. One of my all-time favorite records!

@faststratjo2006

Thank you for your clear, concise and informative comment. I don't know why exactly but this song just popped into my head tonight, I hummed it then chose this Red Norvo - Mildred Bailey version. Is this considered the definitive version?

@Trombonology

@Too Rolling Stoned Thank YOU for the very nice comment! ... I don't know that there is a definitive version per se, though this one is certainly well known among fans of standards. Billie Holiday's record, too, is famous and Les Brown had a million-selling instrumental take.

@honestabe1991

I've been searching for this song forever! Thank you!

@the78prof72

You're most welcome!

@scotnick59

My favorite Bailey recording = and that says a LOT

@XdebariaX

I Love this song ❤️

@martinholopes2148

Magnifique.

@LilianBrazil

🎼❤🙏✨

@khussein6409

Awesome...I care!!!

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