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
Taking a Chance on Love
Ruby Braff Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All aglow again, takin' a chance on love.
Here I slide again, about to take that ride again.
Starry-eyed again, takin' a chance on love.
I thought that cards were a frame-up, I never would try.
Now I'm taking that game up and the ace of hearts is high.
Things are mending now, I see a rainbow blending now.
Here I slip again, about to take that trip again.
I got that grip again, takin' a chance on love.
Now I prove again that I can make life move again.
Um - I'm in the groove again, takin' a chance on love.
I walk around with a horse shoe, in clover I lie.
And brother rabbit of course you better kiss your, foot good-bye.
On that ball again I'm ridin' for a fall again.
I'm gonna give my all again takin' a chance on love.
In the opening lines of "Taking a Chance on Love" by Ruby Braff, the singer describes a sense of excitement and anticipation as they hear the trumpets blowing and feel all aglow. This sets the stage for the theme of taking risks and embracing love, as the singer is about to embark on a new journey filled with hope and optimism. The repetition of phrases like "here I go again" and "takin' a chance on love" reinforces the idea of being willing to step into the unknown and embrace new possibilities.
The lyrics then touch upon a shift in perspective, as the singer acknowledges their previous doubts and hesitations when it came to matters of the heart. The mention of cards being a "frame-up" suggests a feeling of distrust or skepticism towards love in the past. However, they are now willing to "take that game up" and are optimistic about the potential for a positive outcome, symbolized by the "ace of hearts" being high. This transformation from caution to courage reflects a growth in the singer's emotional maturity and readiness to open themselves up to love.
As the song progresses, there is a sense of newfound confidence and determination in the singer's voice. They speak of things mending, seeing a rainbow blending, and the prospect of a happy ending. This imagery conveys a sense of positivity and transformation, as the singer embraces the idea that taking a chance on love can lead to a brighter future. The repetition of the phrase "takin' a chance on love" reinforces the idea of courage and willingness to take risks in the pursuit of happiness.
In the final verses, the singer further emphasizes their commitment to embracing love and life with a sense of vigor and purpose. The mention of carrying a horseshoe and lying in clover symbolizes a belief in luck and good fortune, while the references to the horse and the rabbit hint at the unpredictable nature of life and love. Despite the possibility of setbacks or challenges, the singer declares their intention to give their all and ride the rollercoaster of love once again. Overall, "Taking a Chance on Love" is a song that celebrates the transformative power of love and the courage it takes to open one's heart to new possibilities.
Line by Line Meaning
Here I go again, I hear those trumpets blow again.
Once more, I am filled with excitement as I listen to the trumpets play, ready to take a risk on love.
All aglow again, takin' a chance on love.
Feeling radiant and hopeful, deciding to embrace the possibility of love.
Here I slide again, about to take that ride again.
Moving forward once more, prepared to embark on a romantic journey.
Starry-eyed again, takin' a chance on love.
Feeling optimistic and dreamy, willing to gamble on love.
I thought that cards were a frame-up, I never would try.
I believed that love was a deceitful game, and I was hesitant to participate.
Now I'm taking that game up and the ace of hearts is high.
Now I am willing to engage in love, and the potential for great romance is at its peak.
Things are mending now, I see a rainbow blending now.
My life is improving, and I am starting to see a beautiful blend of colors in the sky.
We'll have a happy ending now, takin' a chance on love.
I believe that our love story will result in happiness and joy.
Here I slip again, about to take that trip again.
Once more, I am about to embark on a journey toward love.
I got that grip again, takin' a chance on love.
I have regained my confidence and am once again taking a chance on love.
Now I prove again that I can make life move again.
I am demonstrating once more that I am capable of bringing excitement back into my life.
Um - I'm in the groove again, takin' a chance on love.
I am feeling comfortable and in sync with the rhythm of love once more.
I walk around with a horse shoe, in clover I lie.
I am filled with luck and good fortune, surrounded by happiness and abundance.
And brother rabbit of course you better kiss your, foot good-bye.
To the rabbit, who is a symbol of good fortune, it's time to say goodbye to superstitions and embrace love.
On that ball again I'm ridin' for a fall again.
I am once more taking a risk, knowing that I may end up in a downfall.
I'm gonna give my all again takin' a chance on love.
I am fully committed and ready to take a chance on love wholeheartedly.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: John Latouche, Ted Fetter, Vernon Duke
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind