Hi Lili Hi Lo
Paul Desmond Lyrics


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On every tree there sits a bird, singing a song of love
On every tree there sits a bird, and ev'ryone I ever heard
Could break my heart without a word singing a song of love

A song of love is a sad song, Hi-Lili, Hi-Lili, Hi-Lo
A song of love is a song of woe, don't ask me how I know
A song of love is a sad song, for I have loved and it's so
I sit at the window and watch the rain, Hi-Lili, Hi-Lili, Hi-Lo
Tomorrow I'll probably love again, Hi-Lili, Hi-Lili, Hi-Lo

A tear for him, a tear for me, A tear for the love he swore
A tear for him and one for me, and one for under the cedar tree
And one for where ever my love my be, and then I shall weep no more

A song of love is a sad song, Hi-Lili, Hi-Lili, Hi-Lo
A song of love is a song of woe, don't ask me how I know
A song of love is a sad song, for I have loved and it's so




I sit at the window and watch the rain, Hi-Lili, Hi-Lili, Hi-Lo
Tomorrow i'll probably love again, Hi-Lili, Hi-Lili, Hi-Lo

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Paul Desmond's song Hi Lili Hi Lo are infused with a sense of melancholy and heartache, beautifully captured in the poignant melody that runs through the piece. The opening verse speaks of the presence of love in nature, with every bird on every tree singing a song of love that can break hearts without a single word. The repetition of this sentiment serves to emphasise the universality of love and the pain that can come with it.


The chorus of the song contains the famous refrain "Hi Lili, Hi Lo", which serves as a reminder that even in the depths of sadness and heartache, life goes on. The singer acknowledges that a song of love is a sad song, full of woe and pain, but also notes that tomorrow they will probably love again. This juxtaposition of sadness and hope is what makes the song so powerful, as it captures the complex emotions that come with the experience of loving someone.


The final verse of the song is particularly heartbreaking, as the singer weeps for the love they have lost and sheds tears for the love that may never be. However, there is also a sense of acceptance and peace that comes from letting go of the pain and moving forward with hope in their heart. Overall, the lyrics of Hi Lili Hi Lo are a powerful reflection on the joys and sorrows of love, capturing both the pain and the beauty of this most human of emotions.


Line by Line Meaning

On every tree there sits a bird, singing a song of love
Birds singing love songs can be heard from every tree


And ev'ryone I ever heard could break my heart without a word singing a song of love
Any bird singing a love song could make me feel heartbroken without even saying anything


A song of love is a sad song, Hi-Lili, Hi-Lili, Hi-Lo
Love songs are often sad and can bring out emotional feelings


Don't ask me how I know
I don't want to talk about how I know this


For I have loved and it's so
I have experienced love and its resulting sadness


I sit at the window and watch the rain, Hi-Lili, Hi-Lili, Hi-Lo
I'm sitting by the window, watching the rain and thinking about love


Tomorrow I'll probably love again, Hi-Lili, Hi-Lili, Hi-Lo
Despite the pain, there's a good chance I'll love again in the future


A tear for him and one for me, and one for under the cedar tree
I'm shedding tears for both my lost love and myself, as well as for the memories we shared under the cedar tree


And one for where ever my love my be, and then I shall weep no more
One tear for wherever my love may be, and after that, I'll stop crying and move on




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BRONISLAW KAPER, HELEN DEUTSCH

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Victor Wong

Jim Hall’s understated comping is so sublime here, and his solo, first chordal, then single note runs, then dense chords again, is one for the ages!!

Jock Narn

A happy discovery this Paul Desmond version (will watch out 4 this album “doing the rounds”). Bill Evans played another beautiful version. Both were melancholic personalities. Mom used 2 sing this during our 1960s childhood .. she’d sing & bake & the home would resonate 2 the sounds of joy. Laid her 2 rest nxt 2 Pop 7wks apart just b4 Covid changed .. everything. Thank you Paul Desmond, rest ur soul .. hope ur making gr8 music with ur gr8 friend DaveB up there.

John Benn

WOW
Wonderful version of a great tune by the incredible sax of Paul Desmond.

Jolanta Regina Piotrowska

great..

Stefano Bonoli

The written counterpoint coda is a masterpiece!

Jolanta Regina Piotrowska

Wonderful version of Bronisław Kaper'song... Great

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