In 1941 he joined Lionel Hampton's big band ,and for the next seven years served as its pianist and staff arranger. He led a short-lived band of his own for two years, but then returned to Hampton's. Buckner died in Chicago, Illinois at the age of sixty-two.
Body and Soul
Milt Buckner Lyrics
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For you I sigh, for you dear only
Why haven't you seen it
I'm all for you body and soul
I spend my days in longing
And wondering why it's me you're wronging
I tell you I mean it
I can't believe it
It's hard to conceive it
That you'd turn away romance
Are you pretending
It looks like the ending
Unless I could have just one more chance to prove, dear
My life a wreck you're making
You know I'm yours for just the taking
I'd gladly surrender myself to you body and soul
My life a wreck you're making
You know I'm yours for the very taking
I'd gladly surrender myself to you body and soul
Milt Buckner's "Body and Soul" is a romantic ballad that was originally composed by Johnny Green, Edward Heyman, Robert Sour, and Frank Eyton. Its lyrics convey a sense of despair and longing for a lover who has turned a blind eye to the singer's affections. The opening lines "My heart is sad and lonely, For you I sigh, for you dear only, Why haven't you seen it, I'm all for you body and soul" express the depths of the singer's love for this person, and his desperation for their affection.
The singer's days are spent in a state of longing and wondering why he is being wronged, and yet he still declares his love for them. He cannot believe that the person he loves would turn away from romance, and wonders if they are pretending or if this is truly the end. However, he is willing to do anything to prove his love, even if his life is a wreck because of it. In the final lines of the song, the singer states that they are willing to surrender themselves to their loved one completely, body and soul.
Overall, this song is a classic expression of unrequited love and the pain that comes with it. The lyrics are heartfelt and moving, and the melody only serves to enhance the emotion of the piece.
Line by Line Meaning
My heart is sad and lonely
I am melancholic and disheartened
For you I sigh, for you dear only
I long and yearn solely for your affection and attention
Why haven't you seen it
I wonder why you haven't noticed my devotion to you
I'm all for you body and soul
I am completely devoted to you with my entire being
I spend my days in longing
Every day I am consumed by my yearning for you
And wondering why it's me you're wronging
I am perplexed as to why you are mistreating me
I tell you I mean it
I assure you that my feelings are genuine
I'm all for you body and soul
I am completely devoted to you with my entire being
I can't believe it
I am having a hard time accepting it
It's hard to conceive it
It is difficult to comprehend
That you'd turn away romance
I am surprised that you would reject love and affection
Are you pretending
Perhaps you are feigning your disinterest
It looks like the ending
It seems that our relationship is doomed
Unless I could have just one more chance to prove, dear
Unless I am given the opportunity to demonstrate my love for you, my dear
My life a wreck you're making
You are causing destruction and chaos in my life
You know I'm yours for just the taking
You can have me completely, I am at your disposal
I'd gladly surrender myself to you body and soul
I am willing to give myself over to you completely, with my heart, mind, and body
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Paul Michael Barry, Phil Simpson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind