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.
Like Someone in Love
Nancy Kelly Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hearing guitars like someone in love.
Sometimes the things I do astound me,
Mostly whenever you're around me.
Lately I seem to walk as though I had wings,
Bump into things like someone in love.
Each time I look at you,
I'm limp as a glove,
The song "Like Someone in Love" by Nancy Kelly is a beautiful and romantic rendition that talks about the effect that love has on a person. The lyrics explain how the singer seems to be lost in love and cannot seem to control their emotions or actions. The opening line establishes a dream-like state for the singer, as they gaze out at the stars and listen to music, while the subsequent lines reveal that the emotions are all caused by the person they love, who makes them feel like they are walking on air.
The singer goes on to explain how simple things like walking become difficult when they are around the person they love. Even bumping into things seems to be evidence of being completely overwhelmed by the feeling of love. Each time the singer looks at their love, they feel weak and helpless, like a limp glove. It is only when they are in their lover's presence that they can understand what it truly feels like to be in love. The way Nancy Kelly delivers these lyrics, with a melodious and soothing voice, captures the essence of the song perfectly, making it easy for listeners to resonate with the feelings being expressed.
Line by Line Meaning
Lately, I find myself out gazing at stars,
Recently, I have been caught up in staring at the stars
Hearing guitars like someone in love.
When I hear guitars playing, it reminds me of love
Sometimes the things I do astound me,
Occasionally, I am surprised by my actions
Mostly whenever you're around me.
Especially when you are nearby
Lately I seem to walk as though I had wings,
Recently, it feels like I am walking as if I have wings
Bump into things like someone in love.
I find myself colliding into objects like I am in love
Each time I look at you,
Whenever I gaze upon you
I'm limp as a glove,
I feel weak and powerless
And feeling like someone in love.
I experience emotions similar to those in love
Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Jimmy Van Heusen, Johnny Burke
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind