Emily
Ray Drummond Billy Higgins Hank Jones Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Has the murmuring sound of may
All silver bells, coral shells, carousels
And the laughter of children at play
Say Emily, Emily, Emily
And we fade to a marvelous view
Two lovers alone and out of sight
As my eyes visualize a family
They see Emily, Emily
(and we fade to a marvelous view)
Two lovers alone and out of sight
Seeing images in the firelight
As my eyes visualize a family
They see Emily, Emily
Too
The song "Emily" by Ray Drummond Billy Higgins Hank Jones is a romantic tribute to the beauty and sweetness embodied in the name Emily. The opening line "Emily, Emily, Emily" sets the tone for the rest of the song, which describes Emily as having "the murmuring sound of May" - a reference to the gentle, soft-spoken quality of the month of May. The repetition of her name serves to emphasize her importance and to evoke a sense of longing or nostalgia.
The second stanza paints a vivid picture of Emily, using images of "silver bells, coral shells, carousels, and the laughter of children at play." These references to childhood and playfulness suggest that Emily embodies a sense of joy and innocence, and that she brings these qualities into the lives of those around her. The line "Say Emily, Emily, Emily / And we fade to a marvelous view" further emphasizes the power that Emily holds, to transport the singer (and the listener) to a more idyllic and beautiful place simply by invoking her name.
As the song progresses, it becomes clear that Emily is not just an abstract concept, but a real person who is loved and admired. The lines "As my eyes visualize a family / They see Emily, Emily" suggest that Emily represents the ideal of family life, and that she is a beloved member of her own family. The final lines, "Two lovers alone and out of sight / Seeing images in the firelight / As my eyes visualize a family / They see Emily, Emily / Too" suggest that Emily's influence extends even beyond her own family, and that she is someone who is cherished by all who know her.
Line by Line Meaning
Emily, Emily, Emily
Emily, the name that we repeatedly chant, represents something soothing and calming like the gentle sound of breezy May.
Has the murmuring sound of may
The name Emily has a low, inarticulate sound that resembles the gentle whisper of the wind that flows through the month of May.
All silver bells, coral shells, carousels
Emily is associated with things that are precious and beautiful like the silver bells, shells made of corals, and the playful carousels.
And the laughter of children at play
Emily is also connected with joy and happiness that brings laughter to children who are at play.
Say Emily, Emily, Emily
Uttering Emily's name creates the illusion of a wonderful vision that draws us in and makes us forget everything else.
And we fade to a marvelous view
In the presence of Emily's name, we are transported to a magical sight that is full of awe and wonder.
Two lovers alone and out of sight
The marvelous view brings two lovers who are lost in their world and away from distractions of everyday life.
Seeing images in the firelight
They see pictures and visions of their own, which the dimly lit firelight may have kindled.
As my eyes visualize a family
The artist also has a vision of a happy family when they hear the name Emily.
They see Emily, Emily
The lovers visualize their own Emily in their magical world, and in the artist's mind Emily represents a happy family.
Too
The end of the song is a simple repetition of Emily's name, indicating its hypnotic effect and the continuity of the song's main theme.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: RICKY ROSS, SCOTT FRASER, PETE WEBB
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@vKarl71
Billy Higgins was such a wonderful drummer. He could play anything, at the highest level. He played in some of the most progressive bands, including with Ornette Coleman, played in blues/rock bands, was a Blue Note regular, and played brilliantly on Lee Morgan's astounding "Search for the New Land" album, one of my favorites. He was totally self-effacing behind the drums, just wanted the music to be as good as it could be. A great listener with great chops & deep musicality. It's silly to say that any of the world class musicians like these gentlemen are "better" or "greater" than other world-class musicians but Billy Higgins is the one I would have wanted to play with if I'd been a good enough musician forming a band. And he seems to have been a really lovely guy, always seemed full of joy when he was playing this great music.
@scottlockard389
What a beautiful comment, I really feel how geniune this is, his whole personality comes through when I listen to him now.
@fonkypluma2509
Wow
@billwhitlatch961
And with Charles Lloyd!
@myroncohen7619
Perfectly stated!!
@georgefirk5531
Allen’s Alley….I first heard this Be-Bop number in 1948 at the 100 Club Oxford Street London,known then as the Victor Feldman’s Club…Whisper Not,and Emily are favourite tunes of mine to play,on piano…YES! I am 90 years old.Fantastic musicians,and music.A joy to listen too.
@SHEGOI
You had a wonderful experience 🎶💕🇺🇸
@bluzrok-Oleg
У вас сердце,- тридцатилетнего мужчины😊
@nodice8312
💚❤🧡Such a great era of Jazz.....JAZZ!
@bluzrok-Oleg
Очень приятная музыка🤓