She has been dancing for most of her life and has appeared in such shows as "Cats" and "A Chorus line."
Ms. Henshall has recorded three albums, 'Love is Here to Stay, ' a tribute to the music of the Gershwins and two others entitled 'Pilgrim' and 'The Ruthie Henshall Album.'
This multi-talented star of the stage can sing from a low belt to a high soprano. She also is an excellent actress who effortlessly moves audiences to tears.
Ruthie Henshall has played Ellen in "Miss Saigon, " Fantine in "Les Miserables, " Nancy in "Oliver, " and both Velma and Roxie in "Chicago." She and Michael Ball received the Theatregoer's Club of Great Britain Award for Most Popular Musical Stage Actor and Actress. Ruthie made her debut on Broadway in "Putting it Together."
She is married to Canadian-born, UK based singer (lead singer for the UK based band Van Tramp) and actor Tim Howar. They have two daughters.
Summertime
Ruthie Henshall Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And the livin' is easy
Fish are jumpin'
And the cotton is high
Oh, Your daddy's rich
And your mamma's good lookin'
So hush little baby
One of these mornings
You're going to rise up singing
Then you'll spread your wings
And you'll take to the sky
But until that morning
There's a'nothing can harm you
With your daddy and mammy standing by
Summertime,
And the livin' is easy
Fish are jumpin'
And the cotton is high
Your daddy's rich
And your mamma's good lookin'
So hush little baby
Don't you cry
The lyrics to Ruthie Henshall's "Summertime" paint a picture of a carefree and leisurely summer where the fish are jumping and the cotton is high. The singer tells a baby to not cry as they have nothing to fear with their father and mother by their side. The song acknowledges that the baby's parents are well-off as the father is rich and mother is good looking.
The second verse of the song speaks of hope and the promise of a bright future. The singer tells the baby that they will rise up singing and spread their wings to take flight one day. The lyrics suggest that there is nothing that can harm the baby until that time comes when they are ready for the opportunities that await them.
The song is a lullaby that is often interpreted as a soothing reassurance to children that they are safe and taken care of. The juxtaposition of the carefree summer and the idea of a bright future creates a sense of optimism, hope and possibility. Overall, the lyrics to "Summertime" express the calming reassurance, the dreams and aspirations, and the love and care that a parent can provide to their child.
Line by Line Meaning
Summertime,
It is currently summer.
And the livin' is easy
Life seems to be going well.
Fish are jumpin'
The fish are lively and abundant.
And the cotton is high
The cotton crops have grown tall.
Oh, Your daddy's rich
You are fortunate to have a wealthy father.
And your mamma's good lookin'
Your mother is attractive.
So hush little baby
You should quiet down and be content.
Don't you cry
There is no reason to be upset.
One of these mornings
In the near future,
You're going to rise up singing
You will wake up feeling happy.
Then you'll spread your wings
You will feel free to chase your dreams.
And you'll take to the sky
You will soar to new heights.
But until that morning
In the meantime,
There's a'nothing can harm you
You are safe from any danger.
With your daddy and mammy standing by
Your parents will protect and support you.
Summertime,
It is still summer.
And the livin' is easy
Life continues to be good.
Fish are jumpin'
The fish are still active.
And the cotton is high
The cotton crops remain tall.
Your daddy's rich
You are fortunate to have a wealthy father.
And your mamma's good lookin'
Your mother is still attractive.
So hush little baby
You should continue being content.
Don't you cry
There is still no reason to be upset.
Writer(s): George Gershwin, du Bose Heyward, Ira Gershwin
Contributed by Maya M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.