Clooney's first recordings, in May 1946, were for Columbia Records. She sang with Tony Pastor's big band. Clooney continued working with the Pastor band until 1949, making her last recording with the band in May of that year and her first as a solo artist a month later, still for Columbia.
She came to prominence in the early 1950s with the novelty hit Come On-a My House written by William Saroyan and his cousin Ross Bagdasarian (better known as David Seville, the father figure of Alvin and the Chipmunks), which was followed by other pop numbers such as "Botch-a-Me" (a cover version of the Italian song Ba-Ba-Baciami Piccina by Alberto Rabagliati), "Mambo Italiano", "Tenderly", "Half as Much", "Hey There" and "This Ole House", although she had success as a jazz vocalist. Clooney's career languished in the 1960s, partly due to problems related to depression and drug addiction, but revived in 1977, when her White Christmas co-star Bing Crosby asked her to appear with him at a show marking his 50th anniversary in show business. She continued recording until her death in 2002. She was the aunt of Academy Award winning actor George Clooney; mother-in-law of singer Debby Boone; and sister to former television personality Nick Clooney. She was the ex-wife of Jose Ferrer; mother of actor Miguel Ferrer
Clooney was diagnosed with lung cancer at the end of 2001. Around this time, she gave her last concert, in Hawaii, backed by the Honolulu Symphony Pops; her last song was "God Bless America".
Singing in the Rain
Rosemary Clooney Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Close to a little leafy lane
A touch of colour 'neath skies of gray!
The raindrops kissed the flower beds
The blossoms raised their thirsty heads
A perfumed thank you they seem to say!
Maybe it was just that I was there
With you!
'Twas just a garden in the rain,
But then the sun came out again
And sent us happily on our way!
Surely here was charm beyond compare to view
But, maybe it was just that you were there dear,
You were so lovely!
'Twas just a garden in the rain,
But then the sun came out again
And sent us happily on our way!
Just a garden in the rain!
Music by Carroll Gibbons
And lyrics by James Dyrenforth, 1929
The lyrics to Rosemary Clooney's song "Singing in the Rain" depict a scene of a charming garden in the midst of rainfall. The singer describes the garden as being close to a leafy lane, with a touch of color contrasting against the gray skies. As the raindrops fall, they kiss the flower beds, causing the blossoms to raise their thirsty heads. The flowers seem to offer a perfumed thank you, expressing their gratitude for the rain.
The singer acknowledges that there is something enchanting and incomparable about this scene, perhaps emphasizing the personal experience of being present in the garden. The presence of someone dear, possibly a romantic partner, enhances the charm of the garden even further. The sun finally emerges from behind the clouds, and the singer and their companion continue their journey happily, their spirits lifted by the beauty of the garden and the love shared between them.
Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of appreciation for the simple pleasures that nature and companionship can provide. The garden symbolizes a serene and peaceful sanctuary where beauty thrives even in adverse weather conditions. It also highlights the transformative effect that love and companionship can have, brightening even the dreariest of days.
Line by Line Meaning
'Twas just a garden in the rain,
It was simply a garden that was experiencing rainfall.
Close to a little leafy lane
The garden was situated near a small, picturesque pathway surrounded by foliage.
A touch of colour 'neath skies of gray!
Amidst the gloomy gray skies, there was a vibrant burst of color in the garden.
The raindrops kissed the flower beds
The raindrops gently touched the flower beds, as if bestowing a tender kiss upon them.
The blossoms raised their thirsty heads
The flowers eagerly lifted their heads, seeking nourishment from the rain.
A perfumed thank you they seem to say!
The flowers appeared to express gratitude for the rain through their sweet fragrance.
Surely here was charm beyond compare to view
The scene possessed an unparalleled beauty and appeal.
Maybe it was just that I was there
Perhaps the presence of the artist enhanced the perceived charm of the garden.
With you!
The charm and beauty of the garden were further elevated by the company of the person addressed.
But then the sun came out again
Subsequently, the sun emerged from behind the clouds.
And sent us happily on our way!
The sun's appearance brought joy and contentment, leading the singer and the addressed person to continue their journey happily.
But, maybe it was just that you were there dear,
However, it is possible that the joy experienced was primarily due to the presence of the beloved person.
You were so lovely!
The beauty and loveliness of the addressed person greatly contributed to the overall happiness.
Just a garden in the rain!
Ultimately, it was a simple garden being nurtured by rainfall, yet it held immense beauty and significance.
Music by Carroll Gibbons
The music for this song was composed by Carroll Gibbons.
And lyrics by James Dyrenforth, 1929
The lyrics for this song were written by James Dyrenforth in 1929.
Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION
Written by: CARROLL GIBBONS, JAMES DYRENFORTH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind