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
Time on My Hands
Ruby Braff Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The moon is my light of love
In the night, I am quite a romancer
I find an answer above
To being me consolation, you're my inspiration
This is my imagination.
Time on my hands, you in my arms
Once and for all, I'll see my dreams come true
Moments to spare for someone you care for
Our love affair for two
With time on my hands and you in my arms
And love in my heart all for you.
The opening lines of "Time on My Hands" by Ruby Braff set the stage for a romantic setting as the day transitions into twilight. The mention of the moon acting as the singer's "light of love" suggests a deep emotional connection and a reliance on something outside of themselves for guidance. As night falls, the singer is described as a "romancer," someone who seeks and appreciates the romance and beauty in life. They find solace and inspiration in the mysteries and wonders that lie above them.
The lyrics go on to emphasize the presence of another person in the singer's life who brings them comfort and joy. This person becomes a source of consolation and serves as their inspiration. The line "This is my imagination" suggests that the singer's thoughts and fantasies are fueled by this relationship, giving them a renewed sense of purpose and hope.
The chorus of the song shifts the focus to the concept of time and its interplay with love. "Time on my hands, you in my arms" expresses a feeling of abundance and fulfillment, as if there is nothing else the singer desires except having their loved one by their side. The idea that "nothing but love is in view" indicates a singular focus and a deep emotional connection, transcending other worldly distractions.
The lyrics also hint at the fulfillment of dreams, as the singer believes their dreams will come true now that they have found love. There is a sense of urgency, as if the singer is aware of the fleeting nature of time and hopes to make the most of it. They acknowledge that having moments to spare for someone they care for demonstrates the depth of their love and commitment.
Ultimately, the song encapsulates the beauty and power of love, as it brings comfort, inspiration, and hope to the singer. It highlights the preciousness of time and the desire to spend it with the person who brings them such joy and fulfillment. "Time on My Hands" serves as a testament to the transformative nature of love and the profound impact it can have on one's life.
Line by Line Meaning
When the day fades away into twilight
As the sun sets and the day turns to night
The moon is my light of love
The moon symbolizes my love and guides me
In the night, I am quite a romancer
During the night, I become a charming and passionate lover
I find an answer above
I discover answers and meaning in the higher realms
To being me consolation, you're my inspiration
You bring me comfort and solace, and you inspire me
This is my imagination.
These thoughts and emotions exist within my imagination
Time on my hands, you in my arms
I have free time and the pleasure of holding you close
Nothing but love in view, then you fall
All I see is the presence of love, and then you enter my life
Once and for all, I'll see my dreams come true
Finally, my lifelong dreams will be fulfilled
Moments to spare for someone you care for
I have precious moments to dedicate to someone I deeply care about
Our love affair for two
Our romantic relationship between only the two of us
With time on my hands and you in my arms
Having plenty of time and the joy of holding you close
And love in my heart all for you.
And feeling an abundance of love in my heart, all for you
Lyrics © DistroKid, BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Harold Adamson, Mack Gordon, Vincent Youmans
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind