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
Heartaches
Ruby Braff Lyrics
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Heartaches
My loving you meant only heartaches
Your kiss was such a sacred thing to me
I can't believe it's just a burning memory
Heartaches
Heartaches
I should be happy with someone new
But my heart aches for you
The song "Heartaches" by Ruby Braff is a beautiful and heartbreaking ballad about a love that was filled with nothing but pain and heartache. The opening lines of the song repeat the word "heartaches" twice, creating a sense of deep sadness and despair that permeates the entire song. The next line, "My loving you meant only heartaches," drives home the idea that the singer's love for their partner was a one-way street, and that their devotion was never reciprocated. The third line, "Your kiss was such a sacred thing to me," reveals the depth of the singer's feelings for their partner, and underscores how much pain they are in now that their relationship has ended.
As the song progresses, the singer reflects on their love and how it has left them with nothing but pain and longing. The line "I can't believe it's just a burning memory" is especially poignant, as it suggests that even though the relationship is over, the singer cannot let go of the memory of their love. The second verse of the song deepens this sense of heartache, as the singer sings "What does it matter how my heart breaks? I should be happy with someone new, but my heart aches for you." This line is a powerful expression of the pain that can come from not being able to move on from a lost love, and it conveys a sense of hopelessness that is often present when someone is going through a heartbreak.
Overall, "Heartaches" is a powerful song that explores the complexities of love, heartbreak, and the struggle to move on from a lost relationship. Its haunting melody and stirring lyrics make it a classic ballad that has been beloved by generations of music lovers.
Line by Line Meaning
Heartaches
The feeling of distress and pain that comes with loving someone
Heartaches
The repeated reminder of heartaches that comes with reminiscing about past relationships
My loving you meant only heartaches
Despite the love that was shared, the ultimate outcome was just pain and suffering
Your kiss was such a sacred thing to me
The act of kissing was held in high esteem, seen as holy or pure
I can't believe it's just a burning memory
The memories of the kiss are intense, perhaps even agonizing and difficult to cope with
What does it matter how my heart breaks?
Wondering about the point of being heartbroken when it's already happened
I should be happy with someone new
The expectation of being happy and moving on, but struggling to do so
But my heart aches for you
Despite best efforts, the heart still longs for the person who caused it pain
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: AL HOFFMAN, JOHN KLENNER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind