He began playing the accordion at age 3, and appeared on the radio program Hobby Lobby at age seven.
His composition "Little Bird" was nominated for a Grammy Award in 1963 (a minor hit on Fred Astaire's Ava label), and he formed the Pete Jolly Trio in 1964. With the Trio, and also as a solo artist, he recorded several albums, the last being in 2000, a collaboration with Swedish jazz pianist Jan Lundgren. He also worked with other notable jazz artists, including Buddy DeFranco, Art Pepper, and Red Norvo, and for many years with EZ music arranger and director Ray Conniff.
Jolly's music can be heard on television programs such as Get Smart, The Love Boat, I Spy, Mannix, M*A*S*H, and Dallas, as well as hundreds of movie soundtracks.
He died in Pasadena, California, from complications of bone marrow cancer, having been hospitalized from August to November, 2004.
Deep Night
Pete Jolly Lyrics
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Moonlight, lighting our place of love
Night winds seem to have gone to rest
Two eyes, brightly with love are gleaming
Come to my arms, my darling, my sweetheart, my own
Vow that you'll love me always, be mine alone
Deep night, whispering trees aboveKind night, bringing you nearer, dearer and dearer
Deep night, deep in the arms of love
Come to my arms, my darling, my sweetheart, my own
Vow that you'll love me always, and be mine alone
Deep night, whispering trees above
Kind night, bringing you nearer, dearer and dearer
Deep night, deep in the arms of love
In "Deep Night," Pete Jolly captures a serene and romantic atmosphere, painting a vivid picture of a tranquil nighttime scene. The opening lines set the stage with the imagery of a deep night sky adorned with stars and the gentle illumination of moonlight. This creates a dreamy and intimate setting that signifies the depth of love shared between the singer and their beloved. The phrase "night winds seem to have gone to rest" suggests a peaceful ambiance, where the external chaos is replaced by a stillness that allows the couple's connection to flourish unimpeded. The use of "two eyes, brightly with love" indicates the significance of eye contact and emotional connection in communicating love, reinforcing the idea that true affection is not just spoken but deeply felt.
As the lyrics progress, the repetition of "Come to my arms, my darling, my sweetheart, my own" is central to the song's theme of yearning and devotion. This call to embrace evokes a sense of longing, emphasizing the desire for physical and emotional closeness. The use of multiple affectionate terms—darling, sweetheart, my own—demonstrates the tenderness present in their relationship, almost like an invocation for commitment. The phrase "vow that you'll love me always, be mine alone" points to a desire for exclusivity in love, where the singer seeks assurance that their partner reciprocates this profound commitment and will remain devoted to one another through time.
The second stanza mirrors the themes expressed in the first, further intertwining nature with love. The "whispering trees" add an element of enchantment, suggesting that even nature is a witness to their sacred bond. The repetition of "deep night" serves as a reminder of the dreamlike state they are in, enhancing the emotional weight of their interactions. Furthermore, by describing the night as "kind," the singer imbues it with a nurturing quality, reinforcing the idea that this moment is blessed and safe, allowing their connection to deepen as they draw closer to each other. The emphasis on love becoming "nearer, dearer, and dearer" encapsulates the notion of growing intimacy, highlighting how love can expand even in a single moment shared together.
In the concluding lines, the repetition of key phrases reinforces the song's sensual and romantic undercurrents. The cyclical nature of the lyrics creates a soothing, lullaby-like quality, inviting listeners to become immersed in the peacefulness of the deep night. By repeating the call to embrace and the wish for true devotion, Jolly emphasizes not only the desire for romantic union but also the deeper appreciation for both the partner and the shared experience of love. The conclusion echoes the song's central message: that love, set against the backdrop of a deep, tranquil night, can evoke profound feelings of connection, security, and beauty, painting an idealistic portrait of romance that resonates with many listeners.
Line by Line Meaning
Deep night, stars in the sky above
The profound darkness envelops the earth, with brilliant stars shining brightly, symbolizing hope and beauty in the solitude.
Moonlight, lighting our place of love
The soft glow of the moon illuminates our intimate space, creating a romantic atmosphere for love to flourish.
Night winds seem to have gone to rest
The calmness of the night suggests a tranquil pause, as if the winds are taking a break, enhancing the serenity of the moment.
Two eyes, brightly with love are gleaming
Your eyes shine with the warmth of affection, reflecting the depth of our emotional connection and the joy of being together.
Come to my arms, my darling, my sweetheart, my own
I invite you to embrace me, expressing my deep affection and desire for closeness, reaffirming our bond.
Vow that you'll love me always, be mine alone
I long for your promise of undying love and loyalty, a commitment that solidifies our unique relationship.
Deep night, whispering trees above
The night is alive with soft sounds, as if the trees are sharing secrets, contributing to the enchanting atmosphere of love.
Kind night, bringing you nearer, dearer and dearer
This gentle night feels nurturing, pulling us closer together, deepening our emotional intimacy with each passing moment.
Deep night, deep in the arms of love
In the embrace of this profound night, we find solace and comfort together, enveloped in the warmth of our love.
Come to my arms, my darling, my sweetheart, my own
Once again, I express my yearning for your closeness, emphasizing affection and connection that defines our relationship.
Vow that you'll love me always, and be mine alone
I crave your solemn assurance of everlasting devotion and exclusivity, affirming our unique emotional tie.
Deep night, whispering trees above
The tranquil night resonates with hushed sounds from the trees, adding a layer of intimacy to our romantic setting.
Kind night, bringing you nearer, dearer and dearer
This gentle night cultivates a sense of closeness, drawing our hearts together even more deeply than before.
Deep night, deep in the arms of love
Immersed in this enchanting night, we find profound comfort and joy in each other's embrace, a sanctuary of love.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Reservoir Media Management, Inc., Cloud9, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Charles E. Henderson, Rudy Vallee
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind