She began her musical career at age four in her hometown of Rochester, New York, with piano lessons. She continued her music studies to include clarinet, drama and dance. When she enrolled at the Eastman School of Music, she decided to concentrate on voice.
At sixteen, she formed a combo and performed at clubs around Rochester. In the early 70s, she joined a rock band as lead singer and went on tour of the East Coast and the Midwest. Enjoying the freedom to improvise, she gravitated to jazz, forming her own group.
As a jazz artist, she's performed on the West Coast, in the Far East and Europe. She performs regularly in New York City at the most prestigious clubs: The Blue Note, Birdland, and Dizzy’s Coca Cola club at Lincoln Center. She has appeared at numerous jazz festivals and has sung with various symphony orchestras around the country.
Nancy was twice named “Best Female Jazz Vocalist” in the Down Beat Readers’ Poll.
She has recorded four CDs, the most recent being “Well Alright" with guest tenor saxophonist Houston Person.
Nancy Kelly continues to dazzle audiences with her take-no-prisoners, back-to-the-roots swinging style.
In a market place where wispy voices and shallow emotions abound, Ms. Kelly is a breath of fresh air…or should we say, smoky air; she takes us back to the time when jazz – and that includes vocal jazz -- was an authentic expression of real emotion.
I'll Be Seeing You
Nancy Kelly Lyrics
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That this heart of mine embraces all day through
In that small cafe, the park across the way
The children's carousel,
The chestnut trees, the wishing well
I'll be seeing you in every lovely summer's day
In everything that's light and gay
I'll find you in the morning' sun
And when the night is new
I'll be looking at the moon
But I'll be seeing you
I'll find you in the morning sun
And when the night is new
I'll be looking at the moon
But I'll be seeing you
Nancy Kelly's song "I'll Be Seeing You" is a classic love song that speaks about the memories she still holds dear of someone she loved but is no longer with. Through the lyrics, she reveals that though she may not see the person again, she still sees them every day, in all the old familiar places, and in everything that's light and gay. The song evokes a sense of nostalgia and bittersweet longing for what once was, the small moments and familiar locales, such as the park across the way or the children's carousel, that were shared.
Through the lyrics' repetition and melody, the song effectively communicates the idea that the singer still holds the person dear in her heart, and they are still with her in spirit, even though they may not be physically present. The line "I'll find you in the morning sun, and when the night is new, I'll be looking at the moon but I'll be seeing you" encapsulates the idea that the singer is constantly reminded of the person in little things, whether it is the sunrise, sunset or anything in between.
Overall, "I'll Be Seeing You" is a poignant yet beautiful song that captures the essence of love and loss, the memories that stay with us and the places that evoke them.
Line by Line Meaning
I'll be seeing you in all the old familiar places
I will constantly be reminded of you when I am at the places we used to go.
That this heart of mine embraces all day through
These places hold a special place in my heart and I think of them all day.
In that small cafe, the park across the way
When I visit the small cafe or the park, thoughts of you will flood my mind.
The children's carousel, the chestnut trees, the wishing well
Even the carousel, trees, and well will make me think of you because we had memories there.
I'll be seeing you in every lovely summer's day
Every time I experience a beautiful summer day, you will come to mind.
In everything that's light and gay
Even in happy moments, I will remember you and our good times together.
I'll always think of you that way
You will always be remembered with fondness and happiness.
I'll find you in the morning' sun
The warmth of the sun in the morning reminds me of your presence in my life.
And when the night is new
At the beginning of each night, I feel your absence and start to yearn for you.
I'll be looking at the moon
As I gaze at the moon, I think of you and wish you were here with me.
But I'll be seeing you
Even though you are not here, you will always be with me in spirit and in my memories.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Irving Kahal, Sammy Fain
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind