Dante's first album release under his own name, on Don Kirshner's label, was Ron Dante Brings You Up in 1970. In 1972, also under the supervision of Kirshner, Dante became lead vocalist for another cartoon group, The Chan Clan. In 1979, he recorded a disco album under the name Dante's Inferno, and in 1981 his second solo album Street Angel was released.
From 1973 to 1981, Dante was the record producer for singer Barry Manilow. Dante often sang background vocals on Manilow's recordings, including the single "Mandy." Dante also continued to record sporadically during those years; in 1975, with Manilow as the producer, Dante released a dance version of "Sugar, Sugar" as a single under his own name. In 1978, Dante produced the Tony Award winning play Ain't Misbehavin' on Broadway. During this same period, Dante, who was a Manhattan neighbor of George Plimpton, was invited to serve as the publisher of the Paris Review (1978-85).[1][2]
Dante remains active as a singer, producer, and concert performer. His solo CD Favorites was released in 1999, and another CD, Saturday Night Blast, was issued in 2004. The extended play California Weekend CD was released in 2006.
Contrary to popular belief, the lead verses to the Archies' single, "Jingle Jangle" (portrayed as being sung by either Betty or Veronica) were not sung by a female vocalist. It was sung by Dante using a falsetto voice.[3]
Ain't Misbehavin'
Ron Dante Lyrics
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All by myself
No one to walk with
But I'm happy on the shelf
Ain't misbehavin'
I'm savin' my love for you
I know for certain
I'm through with flirtin'
It's just you I'm thinkin' of
Ain't misbehavin'
I'm savin' my love for you
Like Jack Horner
In the corner
Don't go nowhere
What do I care?
Your kisses are worth waitin' for
Believe me
I don't stay out late
Don't care to go
I'm home about eight
Just me and my radio
Ain't misbehavin'
I'm savin' my love for you
Like Jack Horner
In the corner
Don't go nowhere
What do I care?
Your kisses are worth waitin' for
Believe me
I don't stay out late
Don't care to go
I'm home about eight
Just me and my radio
Ain't misbehavin'
I'm savin' my love for you
The lyrics of Ron Dante's "Ain't Misbehavin'" depict a contented individual who finds pleasure in solitude despite the lack of a companion with whom to talk or walk. The singer is steadfast and true in his love, for the one he loves exclusively, and asserts his devotion to her. He acknowledges that waiting for her affection may seem akin to Jack Horner, who sits stubbornly in the corner, but insists that her kisses are worth the wait. The chorus declares that he is not misbehaving; instead, he is saving all of his love for his beloved.
The song is an ode to old-fashioned romanticism, as it reflects a simpler time when loyalty and fidelity were paramount values in a relationship. The singer is content to stay in, sit with his thoughts, and listen to the radio while cherishing the love he saves exclusively for his sweetheart. Ultimately, the lyrics point to the notion that true love is about waiting patiently for the person who has captured one's heart, and that steadfast devotion is its own reward.
Line by Line Meaning
No one to talk with
I have no one to talk with and share my thoughts.
All by myself
I am all alone without anyone's company.
No one to walk with
There is no one to take walks with me.
But I'm happy on the shelf
Despite being alone, I am content where I am.
Ain't misbehavin'
I am behaving properly and doing nothing wrong.
I'm savin' my love for you
I am reserving all my love for you and no one else.
I know for certain
I am completely sure and confident.
The one I love
My feelings of love are directed towards only one person.
I'm through with flirtin'
I am done flirting with anyone else.
It's just you I'm thinkin' of
I am constantly thinking about only you.
Like Jack Horner
I am in a similar situation as Jack Horner, sitting in a corner.
In the corner
I feel isolated and abandoned in a corner.
Don't go nowhere
I am not going anywhere or doing anything exciting.
What do I care?
I do not care about anything else except waiting for your kisses.
Your kisses are worth waitin' for
I value your kisses and am willing to wait for them patiently.
Believe me
Trust me, these things are true.
I don't stay out late
I do not stay outside till late in the night.
Don't care to go
I have no desire to go outside and do something else.
I'm home about eight
I come back home around eight in the evening.
Just me and my radio
At home, it's only me and my radio playing songs for me.
Ain't misbehavin'
I am behaving properly and doing nothing wrong.
I'm savin' my love for you
I am reserving all my love for you and no one else.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., BMG Rights Management
Written by: Andy Razaf, Fats Waller, Harry Brooks
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind