He graduated from Rocky River High School in Rocky River, Ohio in 1927. He attended Ohio University in Athens, Ohio where he was a member of Theta Chi Fraternity. Kaye could play the saxophone and the clarinet, but he never featured himself as a soloist on either one.
A leader of one of the so-called "Sweet" bands of the Big Band era, he made a large number of records for Vocalion Records, RCA Victor, Columbia Records, and the American Decca record label. Kaye was known for an audience participation gimmick called "So You Want To Lead A Band?" where audience members would be called onto stage in an attempt to conduct the orchestra, with the possibility of winning batons. Kaye was also known for his use of "singing of song titles", which was emulated by Kay Kyser and Blue Barron.
Musicians included Ralph Flanagan, Dale Cornell and Marty Oscard. Singers included Don Cornell (not related to Dale Cornell), Billy Williams, and Nancy Norman.
He was posthumously inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1992 and for his contribution
to the recording industry has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Pleas Don't Talk About Me when I'm Gone
Sammy Kaye Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Seems we can't get along,
No matter what I do
I don't appeal to you
Makes no difference whether
I am right or wrong
If we can't be sweethearts
This much you can do
Please don't talk about me when I'm gone
Oh, Honey, though our friendship ceases from now on
And listen, if you can't say anything real nice
It's better not to talk at all, that's my advice
We're parting, you go your way, I'll go mine
It's best that we do
Here's a kiss, I hope that this brings lots of luck to you
Makes no difference how I carry on
Just remember
Please don't talk about me when I'm gone.
The lyrics to Sammy Kaye's "Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone" are about a relationship that has gone sour. Despite years of trying, the couple cannot seem to get along, and the singer recognizes that they are not meant to be sweethearts. In the face of these difficulties and the reality of their separation, the singer implores their former partner not to speak ill of them once they have parted ways.
The singer recognizes that there is nothing left to salvage in their relationship and that they must go their separate ways. They offer a parting kiss, hoping that it will bring their former partner luck, and ask that they not talk poorly about them once they are gone. The lyrics emphasize the importance of being kind even in difficult circumstances and demonstrate empathy for the pain of a breakup.
Overall, "Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone" is a poignant reflection on the painful end of a relationship and the importance of treating each other with kindness and respect.
Line by Line Meaning
Years we've been together
We have been connected for a long time
Seems we can't get along,
It appears that we cannot agree
No matter what I do
Regardless of my actions
I don't appeal to you
You don't find me attractive
Makes no difference whether
It doesn't matter if
I am right or wrong
I am either correct or mistaken
If we can't be sweethearts
If we cannot love each other
This much you can do
You can do this small favor
Please don't talk about me when I'm gone
Kindly refrain from speaking of me after I depart
Oh, Honey, though our friendship ceases from now on
My dearest, even if our bond ends today
And listen, if you can't say anything real nice
Moreover, if you cannot utter pleasant words
It's better not to talk at all, that's my advice
It's best to remain silent, in my opinion.
We're parting, you go your way, I'll go mine
We're going separate ways
It's best that we do
It is most excellent that we end things
Here's a kiss, I hope that this brings lots of luck to you
Here's a smooch, I hope it brings you good fortune
Makes no difference how I carry on
My demeanor doesn't change anything
Just remember
Merely bear in mind
Please don't talk about me when I'm gone.
Please refrain from mentioning me after I depart.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Bee Palmer, Sidney Clare, Sam Stept
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind