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
Sugar
Ruby Braff Lyrics
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All the little birdies go tweet, tweet, tweet.
And in the evening when the sun goes down
It's never dark when she's around
She's so affectionate and I'll say this
That when she kisses me I sure stay kissed
When my sugar walks down the street
The lyrics to Ruby Braff's song "When My Sugar Walks The Street" are a lighthearted expression of the joy that comes with having a significant other in your life who brings light to your world. The first verse of the song describes the effect that the singer's lover has on the world around them, as the little birdies chirp with excitement whenever she walks by. The second verse then goes on to describe the feelings of affection and love that the singer experiences when they are with their partner, an experience that is further reinforced by the joyful presence of the birdies.
The chorus of the song is a repetition of the previous verses, emphasizing the simple joys that come with having someone special in your life. The song's melody is upbeat and cheerful, reflecting the happy and carefree nature of the lyrics.
Overall, "When My Sugar Walks The Street" is a celebration of the joy and positivity that comes with being in love, and the ways in which that love can brighten up the world around you.
Line by Line Meaning
When my sugar walks down the street
Whenever my lover walks down the street
All the little birdies go tweet, tweet, tweet
The birds start chirping sweet melodies because of her presence
And in the evening when the sun goes down
At nightfall
It's never dark when she's around
Her mere presence illuminates everything around me
She's so affectionate and I'll say this
She's a very loving person and I can vouch for that
That when she kisses me I sure stay kissed
Her passionate kisses leave a lasting effect on me
When my sugar walks down the street
Whenever my lover walks down the street
The little birdies go tweet tweet tweet.
The birds start chirping sweet melodies because of her presence
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Gene Austin, Jimmy McHugh, Irving Mills
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind