Farlow was born in Greensboro, North Carolina in 1921, with his first introduction to a stringed instrument being the mandolin (tuned like a uke), as a young child. Nearly as famous for his reluctance to perform publicly as for his outstanding abilities, he did not take up the instrument until he was 21, but within a year was playing professionally and in 1948 was with Marjorie Hyams' band. While with the Red Norvo Trio from 1949–1953, Farlow became famous in the jazz world. His huge hands and ability to play rapid yet light lines, which earned him the nickname "Octopus", made him one of the top guitarists of the era. Where other similar players of his day combined rhythmic chords with linear melodies, Farlow preferred placing single notes together in clusters, varying between harmonically enriched tones based on a startling new technique.
After six months with Artie Shaw's Gramercy Five in 1953, Farlow put together his own group, which for a time included pianist Eddie Costa. In 1958, Farlow retired from full-time performing and settled in Sea Bright, New Jersey, returning to a career as a sign painter. He continued to play occasional dates in local clubs, however. In 1962 the Gibson Guitar Corporation, with Farlow's participation, produced the "Tal Farlow" model in their prestigious Artist Model line. The production model has a mandolin-style scroll at the top of the body.
In 1968 while living in Sea Bright, Tal Farlow visited Phil Petillo's Studio Workshop every Saturday up until the early 1980s. Dr. Petillo, with legendary Tal Farlow, built what was known as the Full House Concept First Octave Divider, which was a stool that had a built-in amplifier and a pedal to control it. It provided smooth, rich warmth to the sound of the guitar with volume without distortion while allowing the artist more freedom of movement when performing. At this time, Phillip designed Tal a specialized guitar with a moving pickup that had nylon tracks underneath the pickguard to adjust the pickup in any position between the end of the fingerboard and bridge for jazz performances to suit his own individual needs, and to introduce young players to jazz and its components. They had a good creative working relationship for many years.
Farlow only made one record as a leader during 1960–1975, but emerged a bit more often during 1976–1984, recording for Concord fairly regularly before largely disappearing again. He was profiled in the documentary film, Talmage Farlow, made in 1980/81. The guitarist can be heard on his records for Blue Note (a 10" LP in 1954), Norgran (later Verve, 1954–60), and Prestige (1969), as well as those for Concord.
Farlow died in New York City on July 25, 1998.
It's You Or No One
Tal Farlow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
How did I guess that the long loneliness was past.
I merely looked at you and I knew that I knew.
It's you or no one for me
I'm sure of this each time we kiss
Now and forever and when forever's done
You'll find that you are still the one
Please don't say no to my plea
'Cause if you do then I'm all through
There's this about you
My world's an empty world without you
It's you or no one for me
Please don't say no to my plea
'Cause if you do then I'm all through
There's this about you
My world's an empty world without you
It's you or no one for me
For me
The first two lines of the song "How did I know that the warmth of the glow would last. How did I guess that the long loneliness was past." convey the singer's realization that they have finally found the one they were searching for and that they are ready to commit to this person. The singer highlights the intuition they have when they look at their partner - they just know that it's the right choice. The next few lines, "I merely looked at you and I knew that I knew. It's you or no one for me," emphasize this point even further. The singer is confident in their choice of choosing their partner and that they will be with them forever.
The chorus, "It's you or no one for me. I'm sure of this each time we kiss. Now and forever and when forever's done. You'll find that you are still the one," reinforces the previous sentiment of the singer's profound love for their partner, and how they will choose no one but them. The phrase "You'll find that you are still the one" indicates that no matter what hardships may come their way, the singer and their partner will be together.
The final plea of the song "Please don't say no to my plea 'Cause if you do then I'm all through. There's this about you. My world's an empty world without you. It's you or no one for me," is a heartfelt request to the singer's partner not to leave them. The singer is willing to do anything to stay with their partner, and not having them in their life would make the world a lonely and desolate place.
Line by Line Meaning
How did I know that the warmth of the glow would last.
I was uncertain if our connection would remain, but seeing your light I felt assured it would.
How did I guess that the long loneliness was past.
My heart had been alone for some time, but the moment I met you, that feeling disappeared.
I merely looked at you and I knew that I knew.
I caught your gaze, and I knew without a doubt we were meant to be.
It's you or no one for me
I have never felt such a strong attraction before. It's either you or no one for me.
I'm sure of this each time we kiss
Our kisses confirm my certainty in us. I'm convinced of us every time we embrace.
Now and forever and when forever's done
Our bond will last through time, regardless of its end. We'll always have each other no matter what.
You'll find that you are still the one
As time goes on, I'll still choose you. You stand out amongst all others.
Please don't say no to my plea
My heart pleads with you to stay with me. Please, don't turn me away.
'Cause if you do then I'm all through
If you leave me, it would break me, and I would be unable to move forward.
There's this about you
There's something about you that draws me closer. I cannot resist your charm.
My world's an empty world without you
If you're not by my side, everything else in my life feels meaningless.
For me
I've found my soulmate in you, and you're the only one who could complete me.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Jule Styne, Sammy Cahn
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind