Pierino Ronald "Perry" Como (May 18, 1912 – May 12, 2001) was an Italian Am… Read Full Bio ↴Pierino Ronald "Perry" Como (May 18, 1912 – May 12, 2001) was an Italian American crooner during the 20th century. Throughout a career spanning more than half a century he recorded exclusively with the RCA Victor label after signing with them in 1943. He sold millions of records for RCA but he also pioneered a weekly musical variety television show which set the standard and proved one of the most successful in television history. His combined success on television and popular recordings has never been equalled by any other artist of the time. He was always noted for his relaxed attitude, an attitude which was reflected in his singing style. His was a beautiful voice, possessed by this former barber.

Como was also very popular in the UK. His chart successes ranged from 1953 to 1974 and included two number one's, his first hit 'Don't Let The Stars Get In Your Eyes' in 1953 and 'Magic Moments' which stayed at the top for 8 weeks in 1958. His other big UK hits were 'Delaware' ( No 3 in 1960), ' It's Impossible' (No 4 in 1971) , 'And I Love You So' (No 3 in 1973), and 'For The Good Times' (No 7 in 1973).

As well as TV and recording success, Perry Como also made a number of films, including ' Something For The Boys' and 'Doll Face' which were released during WW2.

He died in his sleep on 12 May 2001.

One for My Baby
Perry Como Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

It's a quarter to three
There's no one in the place except you an' me
So, set 'em up Joe, I've got a little story that you otta know
We're drinkin' my friend, to the end of a brief episode
Make it one for ma baby an' one more for the road

I got the routine, so drop another nickel in the machine
I'm feelin' so bad, I wish you'd make the music dreamy an' sad

Could tell you a lot but you've got to be true to your code
Make it one for ma baby, one more for the road

You'd never kno' it, but Buddy, I'm kind of a poet
And I've got a lot of things to say
And when I'm gloomy, you simply gotta listen to me
Until it's talked away

Well, that's how it goes and Joe I know you're gettin' anxious to close
So thanks for the cheer, I hope you didn't mind my bendin' your ear
This torch that I've found, must be drowned or it soon will explode
Make it one for ma baby, an' one more for the road

That long, long road

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Perry Como's song, One For My Baby, tell the story of a man who is drinking at a bar at 3am with the bartender as his only company. The man starts to confide in the bartender, telling a little story that the bartender "otter know." He then goes on to ask the bartender to make "one for ma baby" (meaning his lover) and "one more for the road." Throughout the conversation, the singer hints that he has a lot on his mind that he's not sharing, and he even admits to being a poet. He tells the bartender that he's feeling down and wishes the music was sad and dreamy. As the conversation comes to an end, the man thanks the bartender for listening and says that he must drown the "torch that I've found" or it will soon explode. The song ends with the man asking for one more drink before he heads out on the "long, long road."

The lyrics to this song are a perfect example of the art of storytelling. The words evoke a very specific mood and feeling of loneliness and melancholy. The singer tells the story of a man who is down on his luck, searching for comfort in a bottle, and trying to forget his troubles. He's looking for someone to confide in, and the bartender becomes his sounding board. The line "one for ma baby" is a veiled reference to the man's lover, who is not there to comfort him. The song ends with the man walking out into the unknown, heading out on the "long, long road," which could mean a literal journey or a metaphorical one into his future.

Line by Line Meaning

It's a quarter to three
It's very late at night

There's no one in the place except you an' me
We are the only ones left in the bar

So, set 'em up Joe, I've got a little story that you otta know
Please refill our glasses, I have something to tell you

We're drinkin' my friend, to the end of a brief episode
Let's drink to the end of a short period of time we shared

Make it one for ma baby an' one more for the road
Give me one more drink for myself and one to take with me on the journey ahead

I got the routine, so drop another nickel in the machine
I know how to work the jukebox, so please add more music

I'm feelin' so bad, I wish you'd make the music dreamy an' sad
I am feeling sad and would like the music to match my mood

Could tell you a lot but you've got to be true to your code
I have many things on my mind, but I don't want to break the bartender's trust by sharing them

Make it one for ma baby, one more for the road
As mentioned before, please give me one more drink for myself and one to take with me

You'd never kno' it, but Buddy, I'm kind of a poet
You may not know it, but I have a talent for poetry

And I've got a lot of things to say
I have many thoughts and emotions to express

And when I'm gloomy, you simply gotta listen to me
When I feel down, I need someone to listen to me

Until it's talked away
Until I can express my feelings and feel better

Well, that's how it goes and Joe I know you're gettin' anxious to close
That's the end of my story, and I know you want to close the bar

So thanks for the cheer, I hope you didn't mind my bendin' your ear
Thank you for your service and conversation, I hope I didn't take up too much of your time

This torch that I've found, must be drowned or it soon will explode
I must get rid of this lingering feeling of love or else it will consume me

Make it one for ma baby, an' one more for the road
As previously stated, please give me one more drink for myself and one to take with me on the journey ahead

That long, long road
Referring to the journey ahead, likely both physical and emotional

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Harold Arlen, Johnny Mercer

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS