Rollins was born in New York City to parents from the United States Virgin Islands. The youngest of three siblings, he grew up in central Harlem and on Sugar Hill, receiving his first alto saxophone at the age of seven or eight. He attended Edward W. Stitt Junior High School and graduated from Benjamin Franklin High School in East Harlem. Rollins started as a pianist, changed to alto saxophone, and finally switched to tenor in 1946. During his high school years, he played in a band with other future jazz legends Jackie McLean, Kenny Drew, and Art Taylor.
As a saxophonist he had initially been attracted to the jump and R&B sounds of performers like Louis Jordan, but soon became drawn into the mainstream tenor saxophone tradition. The German critic Joachim Berendt described this tradition as sitting between the two poles of the strong sonority of Coleman Hawkins and the light flexible phrasing of Lester Young, which did so much to inspire the fleet improvisation of bebop in the 1950s. Other tenor saxophone influences include Ben Webster and Don Byas. By his mid-teens, Rollins became heavily influenced by alto saxophonist Charlie Parker. During his high school years, he was mentored by the pianist and composer Thelonious Monk, often rehearsing at Monk's apartment.
Rollins has played, at various times, a Selmer Mark VI tenor saxophone and a Buescher Aristocrat. During the 1970s he recorded on soprano saxophone for the album Easy Living. His preferred mouthpieces are made by Otto Link and Berg Larsen. He uses Frederick Hemke medium reeds.
Whispering
Sonny Rollins Lyrics
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Gorgeous and dressed in blue
Don't worry I'm not looking at you
Gorgeous and dressed in blue
I know it drives you crazy
When I pretend you don't exist
When I'd like to lean in close
And run my hands against your lips
Still I sense there's a rapport
So whisper me your number
I'll call you up at home
Whisper me your number
I'll call you up at home
Don't worry I'm not looking at you
Don't worry I'm not looking at you
Gorgeous and dressed in blue
Don't worry I'm not looking at you
I know you see me see you
As you see me walk on past
When there's nothing more I'd like to do
Then come in close and hear you laugh
Though we haven't even spoken
Still I sense there's a rapport
So whisper me your number
I'll call you up at home
Yea whisper me your number
I'll call you up at home
Whisper me your number
I'll call you up at home
Hmm whisper me your number
I'll call you up at home
The lyrics of Sonny Rollins's song "Whispering" explore the tension and attraction between two people who have not yet spoken to each other. The singer acknowledges that they are drawn to the other person, who is "gorgeous and dressed in blue," but they also admit that they are trying to play it cool and not make it obvious that they are interested. The repetition of the line "don't worry I'm not looking at you" further emphasizes this attempt at nonchalance.
Despite the lack of direct contact, the singer senses a connection with the other person: "Though we haven't even spoken / Still I sense there's a rapport." They express a desire to get closer, to run their hands against the other person's lips and hear them laugh. The singer asks the other person to whisper their phone number so that they can call them later, which implies a willingness to take the first step towards making a connection.
Overall, the lyrics of "Whispering" capture the tension and anticipation of a potential romantic encounter. The singer is trying to play it cool, but their desire for connection and closeness is palpable.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't worry I'm not looking at you
I am not staring at you, so you can feel comfortable
Gorgeous and dressed in blue
You look lovely and are wearing blue
I know it drives you crazy
When I pretend you don't exist
When I'd like to lean in close
And run my hands against your lips
Ignoring you is making you go mad, as I secretly want to touch and kiss you
Though we haven't even spoken
Still I sense there's a rapport
So whisper me your number
I'll call you up at home
Even though we haven't talked, I feel a connection, therefore give me your number so I can call you later
Don't worry I'm not looking at you
Don't worry I'm not looking at you
Gorgeous and dressed in blue
Don't worry I'm not looking at you
I assure you that I am not staring at you, even though you look stunning in blue
I know you see me see you
As you see me walk on past
When there's nothing more I'd like to do
Then come in close and hear you laugh
You probably noticed me looking at you as I walked by, but what I really wish for is to draw near and hear your laughter
Yea whisper me your number
I'll call you up at home
Yes, give me your phone number and I will call you later
Whisper me your number
I'll call you up at home
Please tell me your phone number so I can contact you later
Whisper me your number
I'll call you up at home
Let me know your phone number and I will call you at your house
Hmm whisper me your number
I'll call you up at home
Hmm, can you please tell me your phone number? I would like to call you later at your place
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Richard Coburn, Vincent Rose, John Schonberger
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind