Reuben "Ruby" Braff (March 16, 1927 – February 9, 2003) was an American jaz… Read Full Bio ↴Reuben "Ruby" Braff (March 16, 1927 – February 9, 2003) was an American jazz cornetist and trumpeter.

Braff was a wonderfully characterful and melodic player with an immediately identifiable sound and unique tone on the cornet, an uncommon instrument in post-war jazz. He style was fundamentally based on that of earlier players including Louis Armstrong, Bobby Hackett and Bunny Berigan but he transcended these influences to always sounds fresh, sparky and somehow modern.

He was born in Boston and began playing in local clubs in the 1940s. In 1949, he was hired to play with the Edmond Hall Orchestra. He relocated to New York in 1953 where he was much in demand for band dates and recordings.

He died February 10, 2003, in Chatham, Massachusetts.

"Sure, they’ve made statements about my supposedly combining a modern approach with a feeling for traditional forms. Well, people say all sorts of things, because they want to categorise and label. I’ve only ever had two labels. Either it’s good or it stinks." - Ruby Braff speaking in 1968

Bidin
Ruby Braff Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

But I'm bidin' my time,
Cause that's the kinda guy I'm
While other folks grow dizzy
I keep busy
Bidin' my time.

Next year, next year,
Somethin's bound to happen,

This year, this year,
I'll just keep on nappin'

And bidin' my time
Cause that's the kinda guy I'm.
There's no regrettin'

When I'm settin'
Bidin' my time.

Overall Meaning

"Bidin' my time" is a song about a man who is waiting patiently for his turn to come. The lyrics express that the singer is not in a rush, as he is content with his own pace. While others are busy and frantic, he takes his time to enjoy life's moments. He is optimistic and hopeful that things will work out for him eventually. The singer believes that all good things come to those who wait, which is why he is happy to wait.

The second stanza of the song reinforces the singer's waiting game. He acknowledges that next year something is bound to happen, but for now, he is happy to take naps and bide his time. He is not interested in rushing his life and wants to enjoy every moment as it comes. While others may be busy trying to make things happen, he is happy to sit back and let things happen in his own time.

Line by Line Meaning

But I'm bidin' my time,
I am waiting patiently for the right moment,

Cause that's the kinda guy I'm
It is my nature to be patient and wait,

While other folks grow dizzy
While others get restless and impatient,

I keep busy
I occupy myself with other things,

Bidin' my time.
Waiting for the right opportunity to come along.

Next year, next year,
I am optimistic that something good will happen in the future,

Somethin's bound to happen,
I believe that something good is inevitable,

This year, this year,
However, for now I will remain patient and wait,

I'll just keep on nappin'
And pass the time by relaxing or sleeping,

And bidin' my time
While still waiting for the right opportunity,

Cause that's the kinda guy I'm.
Because being patient is part of my personality.