Prelude
St. James Singers & Baroque Players Lyrics


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If you hear
A song in blue
Like a flower crying
For the dew
That was my heart serenading you
My prelude to a kiss

If you hear a song that grows
From my tender sentimental woes
That was my heart trying to compose
A prelude to a kiss

Though it's just a simple melody
With nothing fancy
Nothing much
You could turn it to a symphony
A Shubert tune with a Gershwin touch

Oh how my love song gently cries
For the tenderness within your eyes
My love is a prelude that never dies
A prelude to a kiss

Though it's just a simple melody
With nothing fancy
Nothing much
You could turn it to a symphony
A Shubert tune with a Gershwin touch

Oh how my love song so gently cries
For the tenderness within your eyes




My love is a prelude that never dies
A prelude to a kiss

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "Prelude to a Kiss" by St. James Singers & Baroque Players, tell the story of a love-struck individual trying to convey their feelings for another through music. The song is a metaphor for the person's heart and their desire to serenade the one they love. The first verse describes the song as being "blue," like a flower that is crying for the dew. This is an overarching metaphor for how the individual is feeling - sad and longing for the love that they desire. The song is their way of expressing this feeling.


The second verse continues with the metaphor, as the person explains that their heart is trying to compose a melody from their "sentimental woes." The melody is a "prelude to a kiss," an introduction or preface to the passionate exchange of love between two people. The song is described as a "simple melody," but with the potential to become a "symphony" with the right touch.


The final verse speaks to the tenderness and love that the person feels for their beloved. Their love song cries out for the tenderness within the other person's eyes, and the prelude is something that will never die. Overall, the song is a beautiful and poetic expression of love and longing for a partner.


Line by Line Meaning

If you hear
If the sound of my heart reaches your ears


A song in blue
A melancholic melody


Like a flower crying
Similar to a bud that falls into tears


For the dew
Asking for your refreshing love


That was my heart serenading you
A love song my heart made, meant for you


My prelude to a kiss
This is my way of showing my love for you, it's just the beginning


If you hear a song that grows
If the tune gets louder and more intense


From my tender sentimental woes
It's because of my deep emotions and affection


That was my heart trying to compose
This melody is my way of expressing my feelings through music


Though it's just a simple melody
Although the tune is humble


With nothing fancy
Nothing elaborate or excessive


Nothing much
Just a small piece of music


You could turn it to a symphony
It's possible to make it grander and more significant


A Shubert tune with a Gershwin touch
A combination of two incredible composers


Oh how my love song gently cries
My melody expresses my love tenderly


For the tenderness within your eyes
It represents the affection and sweetness I see in your gaze


My love is a prelude that never dies
My affection for you will always be present


A prelude to a kiss
This is the start of the love story between us, leading up to a kiss




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DUKE ELLINGTON, IRVING MILLS, IRVING GORDON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

David Benefiel

Congratulations to the performers and their directors, Adam and Rotem Gilbert on a wonderful, varied and inspiring performance. USC is fortunate to have many sponsors of this important program. Thank you EMA for posting this video on YouTube.

Early Music America

Our pleasure!

Nathaniel Brown

Lovely to hear Billings and Sacred Harp! It was a pleasant surprise!

GLORIA VELIA REYNA BARAJAS

So beautiful!

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