Roy David Eldridge (January 30, 1911 – February 26, 1989) was a jazz trumpe… Read Full Bio ↴Roy David Eldridge (January 30, 1911 – February 26, 1989) was a jazz trumpet player in the Swing era. His sophisticated use of harmony, including the use of tritone substitutions, resulted in him sometimes being seen as the link between Louis Armstrong-era swing music and Dizzy Gillespie-era bebop. Roy's rhythmic power to swing a band was a dynamic trademark of the Swing Era.

Eldridge was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His nickname was Little Jazz. Eldridge played in the bands of Fletcher Henderson, Gene Krupa and Artie Shaw before making records under his own name. He also played in Benny Goodman's and Count Basie's Orchestras, and co-led a band with Coleman Hawkins.

Stars Fell On Alabama
Roy Eldridge Lyrics

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Moonlight and magnolia, starlight in your hair
All the world a dream come true
Did it really happen, was I really there, was I really there with you?

We lived our little drama, we kissed in a field of white
And stars fell on Alabama last night
I can't forget the glamor, your eyes held a tender light
And stars fell on Alabama last night

I never planned in my imagination a situation so heavenly
A fairy land where no one else could enter
And in the center just you and me, dear
My heart beat like a hammer, my arms wound around you tight
And stars fell on Alabama last night

We lived our little drama, we kissed in a field of white
And stars fell on Alabama last night
I can't forget the glamor, your eyes held a tender light
And stars fell on Alabama last night
I never planned in my imagination a situation so heavenly
A fairy land where no one else could enter

And in the center just you and me, dear
My heart beat like a hammer, my arms wound around you tight

Overall Meaning

The song "Stars Fell on Alabama" by Roy Eldridge describes a magical and unforgettable night spent with a lover. The opening lines set the scene, comparing the moonlight and magnolias to the starlight in the lover's hair, transporting the singer to another world where everything is a dream come true. He questions whether the night truly happened or if he was merely imagining the perfect scenario. The chorus repeats the phrase "stars fell on Alabama last night," emphasizing the incredible experience he had.

The second verse delves deeper into the emotions felt during the night. The singer describes the overwhelming feelings of love and tenderness in the gaze of his lover's eyes. He never could have imagined a situation so perfect, a fairyland where only the two of them existed. His heart beats like a hammer as he holds his lover tightly, and the stars continue to fall on Alabama.

The lyrics provide a vivid and romantic description of a magical evening filled with love and wonder. The singer's awe and emotion are clear through the words, creating a sense of intimacy with the listener.

Line by Line Meaning

Moonlight and magnolia, starlight in your hair
The beauty of the moon and magnolia, and the light from stars shining in your hair

All the world a dream come true
The whole world seemed like a dream come true

Did it really happen, was I really there, was I really there with you?
Questioning if it was all real and if it truly happened with you

We lived our little drama, we kissed in a field of white
Creating a romantic storyline and kissing in a field of white flowers