Pearl made her Broadway debut in St. Louis Woman in 1946. She won a Tony Award for the title role in Hello, Dolly! in 1968. Her rendition of "Takes Two to Tango" hit the top ten in 1952.
She was born in Southampton County, Virginia, to Rev. Joseph & Ella Mae Bailey. In 1954, she took the role of Frankie in the film version of Carmen Jones, and her rendition of "Beat Me That Rhythm on the Drum" is one of the highlights of the film. In 1959, she played the role of Maria in the film version of Porgy and Bess, starring Sidney Poitier and Dorothy Dandridge. Also that year she played the role of "Aunt Hagar" in the movie St. Louis Blues alongside Mahalia Jackson, Eartha Kitt, and Nat King Cole. During the 1970s she had her own television show, and she also provided voices for animations such as Tubby the Tuba (1976) and Disney's The Fox and the Hound (1981).
As Long as I Live
Pearl Bailey Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Life isn't long enough baby, but I can love you as long as I live.
Maybe I can't give you diamonds and things like I want to,
But I can promise you, baby, I'm gonna want to as long as I live.
I never cared, but now I'm scared, I won't live long enough.
That's why I wear my rubbers when it rains and eat an apple every day then see
What if I can't live to love you as long as I want to.
Long as I promise you, baby, I'm gonna love you as long I live.
I'll even wear long underwear, when winter breezes blow
I'm gonna take good care of me because, a sneeze or two might mean the flu,
And that would never never do
What if I can't live to love you as long as I want to.
Long as I promise you, baby, I'm gonna love you as long I live.
The lyrics of Pearl Bailey's song As Long as I Live express a poignant sentiment of a love that is boundless, yet limited by the fleeting nature of life. The singer reflects on the transience of life and expresses her desire to love her partner for as long as she lives, even though she acknowledges that her time on earth may not be enough to fulfill that promise. She contrasts her limited time with the infinite possibilities of love, which she sees as something that will endure long after she is gone.
The lyrics also touch on the idea of sacrifice in love. The singer recognizes that she may not be able to provide her partner with all the material possessions she desires, but she promises to love them with all her heart for as long as she can. She is willing to take care of herself and take precautions, such as wearing rubbers on rainy days and eating healthily, in order to extend her time with her loved one.
Ultimately, the lyrics of As Long as I Live express the idea that love is the most precious thing in life, and that it is worth cherishing and nurturing no matter how much time we have. Even when faced with the uncertainty and fragility of life, the singer remains committed to loving her partner, knowing that her love will endure beyond her earthly existence.
Line by Line Meaning
Maybe I can't live to love you as long as I want to.
I am unsure if my lifespan will allow me to love you for as long as I desire.
Life isn't long enough baby, but I can love you as long as I live.
Even though life may not allow me to love you for as long as I wish, I will still love you for as long as I am alive.
Maybe I can't give you diamonds and things like I want to,
I may not have the financial resources to provide you with luxurious gifts like diamonds.
But I can promise you, baby, I'm gonna want to as long as I live.
Despite my financial limitations, I can guarantee you that I will always desire to give you the best and make you happy for as long as I exist.
I never cared, but now I'm scared, I won't live long enough.
I never really thought about the possibility of not living long enough, but now it has become a source of fear for me.
That's why I wear my rubbers when it rains and eat an apple every day then see
The doctor anyway.
As a precaution to ensure my good health and longevity, I take measures like wearing rubbers in the rain, eating healthily and visiting the doctor regularly.
What if I can't live to love you as long as I want to.
The thought of not being able to love you for as long as I'd like is still a source of concern for me.
Long as I promise you, baby, I'm gonna love you as long I live.
However, I promise you that I will love you for the duration of my life, no matter the circumstances.
I'll even wear long underwear, when winter breezes blow
To better safeguard my health and longevity, I'm willing to take extra measures like wearing warm and protective clothing during cold months.
I'm gonna take good care of me because, a sneeze or two might mean the flu,
And that would never never do
Taking good care of myself is crucial to ensure that I do not suffer from illnesses like the flu, which could compromise my lifespan and ability to love you for as long as I desire.
Lyrics © S.A. MUSIC, Universal Music Publishing Group, Capitol CMG Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Harold Arlen, Ted Koehler
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Trombonology Erstwhile
Pearlie Mae had style to spare, as this this swingin' update of a Depression-Era standard attests!