April In Paris
Sarah Vaughan [feat. Clifford Brown] Lyrics


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Darn that dream
I dream each night
You say you love me and hold me tight
But when I awake and youre out of sight
Oh, darn that dream

Darn your lips and darn your eyes
They lift me high above the moonlit sky
Then I tumble out of paradise
Oh, darn that dream

Darn that one track mind of mine
It cant understand that you dont care
Just to change the mood Im in
Id welcome a nice old nightmare

Darn that dream
And bless it too
Without that dream I never have you
But it haunts me and it wont come true





Oh, darn that dream

Overall Meaning

In the song "April in Paris," the lyrics depict a sense of longing and yearning that the singer experiences through her dreams. The first verse expresses the frustration and disappointment of waking up from a beautiful dream where she is loved and held, only to find herself alone again. The repetition of "darn that dream" emphasizes her disappointment and longing for the fulfillment of the dream in reality. This yearning for love and connection is a central theme throughout the song.


The following verse describes the spellbinding effect that the person of interest has on the singer. Their lips and eyes are portrayed as intoxicating, lifting her to heavenly heights before bringing her crashing back down to reality. The contrasting imagery of being lifted high and then tumbling out of paradise captures the bittersweet nature of unattainable love and desire. The singer is caught in a cycle of euphoria and heartache, unable to escape the allure of her dreams.


The third verse delves into the internal struggle of the singer's mind, which is fixated on the unrequited love represented in her dreams. She acknowledges the futility of her one-track mind, unable to accept that the object of her affection may not reciprocate her feelings. The desire to change her emotions and welcome a nightmare as a reprieve from the constant longing showcases the depth of her emotional turmoil and inner conflict.


The final verse brings the song full circle, reflecting on the dual nature of the dream that both torments and sustains the singer. While the dream allows her to have the object of her affection, it also serves as a constant reminder of its unattainability. The singer acknowledges the haunting nature of the dream, recognizing that it may never become a reality. The repetition of "darn that dream" reinforces the inescapable hold that this fantasy has on her emotions, leaving her simultaneously blessed and burdened by its lingering presence.


Line by Line Meaning

Darn that dream
Curses to that recurring vision


I dream each night
Every night I envision


You say you love me and hold me tight
You claim affection, embrace me closely


But when I awake and youre out of sight
But upon awakening, you're nowhere to be found


Oh, darn that dream
Oh, how frustrating that fantasy


Darn your lips and darn your eyes
Curse your lips and curse your gaze


They lift me high above the moonlit sky
Elevating me beyond the starry night


Then I tumble out of paradise
Only to abruptly fall from ecstasy


Oh, darn that dream
Oh, how vexing that illusion


Darn that one track mind of mine
Condemn my narrow-mindedness


It cant understand that you dont care
It fails to comprehend your indifference


Just to change the mood Im in
Simply to alter my current disposition


Id welcome a nice old nightmare
I would gladly accept a disturbing dream


Darn that dream
Curses to that recurring vision


And bless it too
And yet, may it be revered


Without that dream I never have you
Devoid of that fantasy, I would not possess you


But it haunts me and it wont come true
However, it plagues me and remains unfulfilled


Oh, darn that dream
Oh, how frustrating that fantasy




Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, Universal Music Publishing Group, Tratore
Written by: E. Y. Harburg, Vernon Duke

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@DarkDragon696

Imagine driving through the city at night, cold and rainy while April In Paris fills the ambient. Just beautiful and divine to hear Sarah Vaughan's exquisite voice accompany your nighttime.

@allenwayne2033

My all-time favorite version of this song!!!!

@claussaunte2303

Many have song This song, but few if any, better than Sarah Vaughan!

@deb6sbcglobal

This is stunning.

@saraandyrobles7261

This is before my time, but I love it. I hear Ms. Vaughan played piano. Does anyone know did she play piano on this tune? In another forum there is a survey. Sarah vs. Ella Fitzgerald. I love music, though I can’t sing a stitch or play an instrument (I wish I could) Anyway here Sarah wins. Makes me want to hear more. It beats listening to the chaotic, in the world at this time. God bless all.

@dsny113

What have you done to my heart, Sarah?

@anthonydrago

Thank you Divine , you are the greatest, you live forever,

@tabicnm1

Mos def another world🎶 respect to sarah

@goseeaboutagirl

Amy Winehouse said in an interview this and 'Tenderly' were some of the first tunes she ever heard

@GG-ej3bp

Amy had the utmost respect for the jazz icons that came before her, and for the craft itself. One of the many beautiful things about her. Her excitement when singing with Tony Bennet comes to mind too. RIP to a legend in her own right.

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