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.

Swinging Down the Lane
Perry Como Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Everybody's hand in hand
Swingin' down the lane
Everybody's feelin' grand
Swingin' down the lane

That's the time I miss the bliss
That we might have known
Nights like this

When I'm all alone

When the moon is on the rise
Baby I'm so blue
Watchin' lovers makin' eyes
Like we used to do

When the moon is on the way
Still I'm waitin' all in vain

Should be swingin' down the lane
With you

Overall Meaning

The song "Swingin' Down the Lane" was written by Gus Kahn and Isham Jones in 1923, and has since become a classic in the Great American Songbook. In this song, Perry Como sings about a time when he used to walk down the lane with his loved one, feeling blissful and happy. However, now that he's alone, he reminisces about those moments and feels a sense of longing.

The lyrics paint a nostalgic picture of a time when everything felt perfect and beautiful. Everybody is hand in hand, feeling grand, and swinging down the lane. However, when the moon is on the rise, Perry Como feels lonely and blue, as he watches lovers making eyes, just like he and his partner used to do. He longs for those moments again, but they are gone, and he's left alone, waiting in vain for something that can never be the same.

Overall, "Swingin' Down the Lane" is a classic love song that speaks to the joys and pains of love, loss, and nostalgia. It's a reminder that even though the good times may seem far away, they will always be remembered and cherished.

Line by Line Meaning

Everybody's hand in hand
Everyone is holding hands in unity

Swingin' down the lane
Walking down the path in a carefree, leisurely manner

Everybody's feelin' grand
Everyone is feeling wonderful, in high spirits

Swingin' down the lane
Continuing to walk down the path in a playful manner

That's the time I miss the bliss
I feel nostalgic for the happiness we could have had

That we might have known
If only we had taken the chance

Nights like this
When I am alone on a peaceful night

When I'm all alone
Without anyone to share these moments with

When the moon is on the rise
As the moon starts to ascend into the sky

Baby I'm so blue
I feel a deep sense of sadness

Watchin' lovers makin' eyes
Observing couples exchanging loving gazes