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.
More Than You Know
Nancy Kelly Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Whether you are false or true
Whether you remain or wander,
I'm growing fonder of you
Even though your friends forsake you,
Even though you don't succeed
Wouldn't I be glad to take you,
Give you the break you need
More than you know, more than you know
Girl of my heart, I love you so
Lately I find you're on my mind
More than you know
Whether you're right, whether you're wrong
Girl of my heart, I'll string along
You need me so
Much more than you'll ever know (ever know)
Loving you the way that I do
There's nothing I can do about it
Loving may be all you can give
But baby I can't live without it
Oh, how I'd cry, oh, how I'd cry
If you got tired and said "Good-bye"
More than I'd show
More than you'd ever know
The lyrics of Nancy Kelly's song "More Than You Know" are a declaration of love, expressed through an emotional and sensitive tone. The singer reveals that her emotions towards her loved one are so strong, that they go beyond time and space, and are not affected by the actions or changes of the other person. Whether they are close or far away, whether they are loyal or not, the singer is growing more fond of them. The lyrics reflect a sense of vulnerability and dependence, as the singer expresses her willingness to support and uplift her loved one, even in times of failure or rejection. The repetition of the phrase "More than you know" emphasizes the depth of the singer's feelings, which are so intense that even she cannot fully express them.
The second verse of the song reflects on the difficulties of love, and the commitment that it requires. The singer acknowledges that her loved one may not always be right or successful, but still, she will stick by their side. She recognizes their need for her, and is willing to give them all the support they require. The bridge of the song reflects on the importance of love, and how it is a vital component of life. It acknowledges that loving someone may not always be easy, but it is worth it, and the singer cannot imagine living without it. The song ends on a note of vulnerability, as the singer reveals that her love is more significant than she can even show or express.
Line by Line Meaning
Whether you are here or yonder,
No matter where you are, nearby or far, I still long for you.
Whether you are false or true
Regardless of whether you are genuine or insincere, my affection for you remains unchanging.
Whether you remain or wander,
Even though you may leave, my love towards you is gradually strengthening.
I'm growing fonder of you
My love, adoration, and fondness for you is increasing as time passes.
Even though your friends forsake you,
Even if your comrades abandon you, I'll be there to support you regardless.
Even though you don't succeed
Upon failure, you can count on me to provide for you and lift you high.
Wouldn't I be glad to take you,
I would be overjoyed to take you away from your troubles.
Give you the break you need
I will provide for you the opportunity to relieve yourself from stress and anxiety.
More than you know, more than you know
I like you more than I can articulate or express.
Girl of my heart, I love you so
You are the love of my life, and I cherish you with all of my heart.
Lately I find you're on my mind
Recently, you've been the only one constantly on my thoughts.
Whether you're right, whether you're wrong
Whether you make good decisions or not, I'll support you through it all.
Girl of my heart, I'll string along
You're the one for me, and I'll always be by your side.
You need me so
I perceive that you require my assistance and support.
Much more than you'll ever know (ever know)
You rely on me more than you'll ever realize.
Loving you the way that I do
My love for you is limitless and unconditionally given.
There's nothing I can do about it
No matter what I do, I can't help the way I feel for you.
Loving may be all you can give
Although love may be all you can offer, that's all I want.
But baby I can't live without it
I need your love in my life to survive and be happy.
Oh, how I'd cry, oh, how I'd cry
If I ever lost you, I would be incredibly heartbroken and grieve profusely.
If you got tired and said "Good-bye"
If you became exhausted and chose to leave me permanently.
More than I'd show
I feel more than I let on and find it challenging to express myself fully.
More than you'd ever know
My love for you goes beyond words and is deeper than you'll ever understand.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Barry James Eastmond, Cynthia De Mari Biggs
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind