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.
Tennessee Waltz
Sammy Kaye Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When an old friend I happened to see
I introduced him/her to my loved one and while they were dancin'
My friend stole my sweetheart from me
I remember the night and the Tennessee Waltz
Now I know just how much I have lost
Yes, I lost my little darlin' the night they were playing
I was dancin' with my darlin' to the Tennessee Waltz
When an old friend I happened to see
I introduced him/her to my loved one and while they were dancin'
My friend stole my sweetheart from me
I remember the night and the Tennessee Waltz
Now I know just how much I have lost
Yes, I lost my little darlin' the night they were playing
The beautiful Tennessee Waltz
The lyrics of the Tennessee Waltz by Sammy Kaye describe a story of love, betrayal and heartbreak. The singer is dancing with their beloved to the slow and melancholic tune of the Tennessee Waltz when they spot an old friend. They graciously introduce their friend to their lover and watch as they begin to dance together. However, as the night goes on, the friend seduces and steals the singer’s lover away from them. The singer is left reeling in the aftermath, overwhelmed by the pain of losing their beloved.
The lyrics are poetic in their simplicity and powerfully convey a sense of loss and betrayal. The use of the Tennessee Waltz as the backdrop for this story adds to the poignancy of the lyrics, as the waltz is often associated with nostalgia and longing. The repetition of the chorus at the end of each stanza emphasizes the emotional impact of the story and reinforces the message that the singer has lost something precious.
Line by Line Meaning
I was dancin' with my darlin' to the Tennessee Waltz
I was enjoying a wonderful moment dancing with my significant other to the music of the Tennessee Waltz.
When an old friend I happened to see
Suddenly, out of nowhere, I spotted an acquaintance who I had not seen in quite some time.
I introduced him/her to my loved one and while they were dancin'
I decided to make a courteous introduction of my companion to my old friend, then resumed dancing with my partner.
My friend stole my sweetheart from me
Unfortunately, while I was not looking, my so-called friend hit on my partner and stole them away from me.
I remember the night and the Tennessee Waltz
To this day, I vividly remember that evening and the music that was playing, the Tennessee Waltz.
Now I know just how much I have lost
Looking back, it's clear that I have lost a great deal in losing my darling to my friend, and it has left me feeling quite bereft.
Yes, I lost my little darlin' the night they were playing
It's true, I have lost my cherished companion, the one I affectionately referred to as my little darlin', all because of the Tennessee Waltz.
The beautiful Tennessee Waltz
The irony is not lost on me that the very thing that brought us together that night, the beautiful Tennessee Waltz, ultimately led to my heartache.
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Redd Stewart, Pee Wee King
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind