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
Jeepers Creepers
Ruby Braff Lyrics
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When the weatherman says it's raining
You'll never hear me complaining
I'm certain the sun will shine
I don't care how the weather vane points
When the weather vane points to gloomy
It's gotta be sunny to me
Jeepers creepers, where'd ya get those peepers?
Jeepers creepers, where'd ya get those eyes?
Gosh all, git up, how'd they get so lit up?
Gosh all, git up, how'd they get that size?
Golly gee, when you turn those heaters on
Woe is me, got to put my cheaters on
Jeepers creepers, where'd ya get those peepers?
Oh, those weepers, how they hypnotize!
Where'd ya get those eyes?
In the first verse of Ruby Braff's song "Jeepers Creepers," the singer makes it clear that, regardless of what the weatherman says or the weather vane points to, it doesn't matter to them since they are certain that the sun will eventually shine. The singer is hopeful and optimistic, and nothing can bring them down, not even the gloomy weather. This confident attitude is tied to the second verse, where the singer speaks to their love for the listener. The singer is so taken with the listener "when your eyes look into mine," and this love brings light to everything. The sun will shine because of the singer's love and how it makes them feel.
The second half of the song is a playful conversation between the singer and the listener, with the singer asking the listener where they got their peepers, and how on earth they got so lit up and big, hypnotizing the singer. The lyrics are light-hearted and fun, and the playful back and forth is in keeping with the upbeat melody of the song.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't care what the weatherman says
I am not bothered by the weatherman's report
When the weatherman says it's raining
Even if the weatherman says that it's raining
You'll never hear me complaining
I will never make complaints about it
I'm certain the sun will shine
I know that the sun will eventually come out
I don't care how the weather vane points
I do not mind in which direction the weather vane is pointing
When the weather vane points to gloomy
Even when the weather vane indicates gloomy weather
It's gotta be sunny to me
It should always appear sunny to me
When your eyes look into mine
As long as I am looking into your eyes
Jeepers creepers, where'd ya get those peepers?
Wow, where did you get those beautiful eyes?
Jeepers creepers, where'd ya get those eyes?
I am amazed by the beauty of your eyes
Gosh all, git up, how'd they get so lit up?
Wow, how did they become so bright and captivating?
Gosh all, git up, how'd they get that size?
Wow, how did your eyes become so big and striking?
Golly gee, when you turn those heaters on
Wow, when you show more expression with your eyes
Woe is me, got to put my cheaters on
I need to wear my glasses to see you better
Jeepers creepers, where'd ya get those peepers?
Where did you find such amazing eyes?
Oh, those weepers, how they hypnotize!
Oh, how hypnotic are the tears in your eyes
Where'd ya get those eyes?
I am still amazed by your eyes
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Johnny Mercer, Harry Warren
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind