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
On The Sunny Side Of The Street
Ruby Braff Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I had nothing but shadows
Then one morning you passed
And I brightened at last
Now I greet the day and complete the day
With the sun in my heart
All my worry blew away
When you taught me how to say
Grab your coat and get your hat
Leave your worry on the doorstep
Just direct your feet
To the sunny side of the street
Can't you hear a pitter-pat?
And that happy tune is your step
Life can be so sweet
On the sunny side of the street
I used to walk in the shade
With those blues on parade
But I'm not afraid
This Rover crossed over
If I never have a cent
I'd be rich as Rockefeller
Gold dust at my feet
On the sunny side of the street
Grab your street
The lyrics to Ruby Braff & George Barnes Quartet's song "On The Sunny Side Of The Street" are about finding hope and happiness after a period of darkness. The singer describes how they used to walk alone and feel nothing but shadows, until they met someone who brightened their life. With this person's help, they learned to let go of their worries and enjoy each day with renewed enthusiasm. The chorus reinforces this positive message, encouraging the listener to leave their troubles behind and focus on the sunny side of life.
Line by Line Meaning
Walked with no one and talked with no one
I was lonely, with nobody to talk to.
And I had nothing but shadows
My life was empty and bleak.
Then one morning you passed
You came into my life unexpectedly.
And I brightened at last
You brought joy and light into my life.
Now I greet the day and complete the day
I start my day happily and end it content.
With the sun in my heart
You have filled me with happiness and hope.
All my worry blew away
You have helped me forget all my troubles.
When you taught me how to say
You showed me a new way of living.
Grab your coat and get your hat
Let's go outside and enjoy the day.
Leave your worry on the doorstep
Forget your troubles and enjoy the moment.
Just direct your feet
Let's go where the sun is shining.
To the sunny side of the street
To where life is good and happy.
Can't you hear a pitter-pat?
Listen to your heart, it's full of joy.
And that happy tune is your step
Let your happiness guide your movements.
Life can be so sweet
Life is good and wonderful.
On the sunny side of the street
Let's stay where it's happy and bright.
I used to walk in the shade
I used to live in darkness and sorrow.
With those blues on parade
My sadness was always visible.
But I'm not afraid
But now I am brave and happy.
This Rover crossed over
I have left behind my old life and embraced a new one.
If I never have a cent
Even if I am poor and have nothing.
I'd be rich as Rockefeller
I feel wealthy and happy with you.
Gold dust at my feet
I feel like I am living in luxury.
On the sunny side of the street
On this happy and bright place where we are.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, SHAPIRO BERNSTEIN & CO. INC.
Written by: Dorothy Fields, Jimmy McHugh
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind