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
Keepin' Out of Mischief Now
Ruby Braff Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If you're not by my side,
I stay home by my radio,
But I'm satisfied!
All my flirtin' days are gone,
On the level from now on!
Don't go for any excitement now,
All my opinions have changed somehow,
Old-fashioned as can be!
When you really learn to care,
There's a thrill in solitaire!
Keepin' ou of mischief now,
Really am in love, and how!
I'm through playing with fire,
It's you whom I desire!
All the world can plainly see
You're the only one for me!
I've told them in advance
They can't break up our romance!
Living up to every vow,
I'm keepin' out of mischief now!
All the world can plainly see
That you're the only one for me!
Say I've told them, told them in advance
That they can't break up our romance!
Living up to every vow,
I'm keepin', keepin' out of mischief now!
In the song "Keepin' Out of Mischief Now," Ruby Braff sings about his deep love for a woman and how he has forsaken his former ways of flirting and seeking adventure. He declares that he no longer goes to movies unless he is with her, and instead spends his evenings listening to the radio. He also comments on how his opinions have changed and he now enjoys reading books in solitude. Braff emphasizes his love for this woman, declaring that she is the only person for him and that he has already told others not to interfere in their relationship.
The lyrics demonstrate a sense of commitment and devotion, as well as a recognition that the pursuit of frivolous activities and other romantic interests can only lead to trouble. The reference to playing with fire also suggests a recognition that past behaviors could have harmed himself or others. The song overall exudes feelings of contentment and happiness in finding this special person, while rejecting any behaviors or situations that could jeopardize the relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't even go to a movie show
I don't want any distractions; I only want to be with you.
If you're not by my side,
You are the only one I want to be with.
I stay home by my radio,
I don't need to go out when I have my radio as my source of entertainment.
But I'm satisfied!
Being with you and doing simple things make me happy.
All my flirtin' days are gone,
I used to flirt with others, but now I am devoted to you.
On the level from now on!
I am sincere and truthful in my intentions to be with you.
Don't go for any excitement now,
I don't need any more thrills in life since I have you.
Books are my best company.
I find solace in reading books.
All my opinions have changed somehow,
My perspective has changed since I met you.
Old-fashioned as can be!
I embrace and prefer traditional values and ways of life.
When you really learn to care,
I care deeply for you.
There's a thrill in solitaire!
Being alone with my thoughts and feelings about you is thrilling.
Keepin' ou of mischief now,
I am staying out of trouble and being responsible.
Really am in love, and how!
I am deeply in love with you.
I'm through playing with fire,
I am no longer taking unnecessary risks or pursuing other people.
It's you whom I desire!
You are the only one I want to be with.
All the world can plainly see
Everyone can see that we are together and in love.
You're the only one for me!
You are the only person I want to be with.
I've told them in advance
I have warned others not to interfere with our relationship.
They can't break up our romance!
Our love is strong and cannot be broken by anyone else.
Living up to every vow,
I am committed to my promises and responsibilities in our relationship.
I'm keepin' out of mischief now!
I am avoiding any behavior that could harm our relationship.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Andy Razaf, Thomas 'Fats' Waller
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind