Born in Toronto, Ontario, he was commissioned as a captain in the Canadian Army and became the conductor/arranger of the Canadian Band of the allied expeditionary force sent overseas during World War II, which was the Canadian equivalent of the American Band of the AEF led by Major Glenn Miller.
At the end of the war, Farnon decided to make England his home, and he later moved to Guernsey in the Channel Islands with his wife and children.
He was considered by his peers the finest arranger in the world, and his talents influenced many composer-arrangers including Quincy Jones, all of whom acknowledge his contributions to their work. Conductor André Previn called him "the greatest writer for strings in the world."
Robert Farnon died at the age of eighty-seven at a hospice near his home of forty years in Guernsey. He was survived by his wife Patricia and their five children.
Robert Farnon is probably best known for two famous pieces of light music, Jumping Bean and Portrait of a Flirt, which were originally released as the A and B sides on the same 78. Also famous are his Westminster Waltz and A Star is Born.
When I Fall In Love
Robert Farnon Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Or I'll never fall in love
In a restless world like this is
Love is ended before it's begun
And too many moonlight kisses
Seem to cool in the warmth of the sun
When I give my heart, it will be completely
And the moment I can feel that you feel that way too
Is when I fall in love with you
And the moment I can feel that you feel that way too
Is when I fall in love with you
Robert Farnon's song "When I Fall in Love" is a testament to the longing for true love, and the hope that it will last forever. The lyrics convey a sense of caution and wariness, reflecting the reality that in the fast-paced and unpredictable world we live in, love doesn't always end well. The singer is aware of the many pitfalls that come with falling in love and is determined to hold out for a genuine, long-lasting connection or else remain unattached.
The phrase "In a restless world like this is" evokes a sense of instability and uncertainty, suggesting that the singer is aware of the fickleness of human emotions and the fleeting nature of love. The lines "Love is ended before it's begun" and "Too many moonlight kisses seem to cool in the warmth of the sun" emphasize the volatility of romantic relationships and the idea that the initial passion and excitement often fades as time goes on.
The final two stanzas of the song express the deep commitment and sincerity that the singer feels towards their beloved. The lines "When I give my heart, it will be completely / Or I'll never give my heart" suggest the singer's reluctance to open themselves up to love unless they are absolutely certain it is reciprocated. The repetition of the phrase "And the moment I can feel that you feel that way too / Is when I fall in love with you" emphasizes the importance of mutual feelings in building a lasting relationship. The song ultimately reflects the universal desire for love and connection, while acknowledging the challenges and vulnerability that come with it.
Line by Line Meaning
When I fall in love, it will be forever
I only desire a love that is eternal and will last forever.
Or I'll never fall in love
If I cannot have a love that lasts forever, then I won't pursue love at all.
In a restless world like this is
The world we live in is always changing and constantly in motion.
Love is ended before it's begun
Often, love fizzles out before it has even had the chance to develop into something meaningful.
And too many moonlight kisses
The abundance of romantic gestures and intimate moments are not always enough to sustain a relationship.
Seem to cool in the warmth of the sun
The passion and romance that is present during the night and in the moment can easily fade away in the light of day.
When I give my heart, it will be completely
If I do choose to love, I will give all of myself and hold nothing back.
Or I'll never give my heart
If I cannot love with my whole heart, then I won't love at all.
And the moment I can feel that you feel that way too
Only when I am certain that the person I love loves me back will I be ready to fully commit.
Is when I fall in love with you
This is the moment when I will know that my love for you is real and true.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Edward Heyman, Victor Young
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind