The Ames Brothers got their beginning in Malden, where all four were born. The act consisted of Joe (born 3 May 1921), Gene (born 13 February 1923), Vic (born 20 May 1925 - died 23 January 1978) and Ed (born 9 July 1927).
Born into a non-professional but musical family, the boys were brought up on classical and operatic music. Their parents, David and Sarah Urick, were Russian Jewish immigrants from the Ukraine who read Shakespeare and semi-classics to their nine children from the time they were old enough to listen.
The brothers formed a quartet with a cousin Lennie, and had been touring United States Army and Navy bases entertaining the troops and were offered a job at the Foxs and Hounds nightclub, one of the fanciest clubs in Boston. This one week engagement turned into several months when the word got around of their appearance. At the time, they were going by the name of the Amory Brothers, a name taken from Vic's middle name and they were becoming quite popular in the area. It was at this time that Joe decided to rejoin the group. He said they were just having too much fun together for him to miss out. Taking their act to New York they got a job with bandleader Art Mooney. One day while at Leeds Publishing Company in search of a song called "Should I" that their mother had asked them to sing, Milt Gabler of Decca Records heard them singing it and had them cut a few sides for Decca Records just before the ban which started in January, 1948.
A year later when the ban was lifted, the Ames Brothers were the first artists to record for Coral Records. The name Amory was shortened to Ames. They were swept into national top billing with their first hit record, "Rag Mop," in January, 1950. Doing radio shows for free at times just for the experience, they later became regulars on such shows as The Arthur Godfrey Hour. One of the first acts to appear on the original Ed Sullivan Show when it was known as Toast of the Town, they made their debut with him when the show was telecast live from Wanamaker's Department Store.
Soon, they were the top paid group in nightclubs and supperclubs everywhere and their popularity on television was nationwide. In 1956 they starred in their own show, The Ames Brothers Show, which was seen on Friday nights. It was the first syndicated television show to be shown in foreign countries.
Over their fifteen year career the prolific Brothers notched up 50 U.S. chart entries, 21 of them on the Coral label before signing with RCA Victor. The group disbanded in the 1960s but Ed Ames went on with a successful singing and acting career, including playing Daniel Boone's sidekick, Mingo, on the successful Daniel Boone television series (1964-1970).
They were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1998.
Deck the Halls
The Ames Brothers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Fah-la-la-la-lah, la-lah-lah-lah
'Tis the season to be jolly
Fah-la-la-la-lah, la-lah-lah-lah
Don we now our gay apparel
Fah-la-lah, la-la-lah, la-lah-lah
Toll the ancient Yuletide carol
Fah-la-la-la-lah, la-lah-lah-lah
See the blazing Yule before us
Fah-la-la-la-lah, la-lah-lah-lah
Strike the harp and join the chorus
Fah-la-la-la-lah, la-lah-lah-lah
Follow me in merry measure
Fah-la-lah, la-la-lah, la-lah-lah
While I tell of Yuletide treasure
Fah-la-la-la-lah, la-lah-lah-lah
Fast away the old year passes
Fah-la-la-la-lah, la-lah-lah-lah
Hail the new, ye lads and lasses
Fah-la-la-la-lah, la-lah-lah-lah
Sing we joyous, song together
Fah-la-lah, la-la-lah, la-lah-lah
Heedless of the wind and weather
Fah-la-la-la-lahh, lah-lahh-lahh-lahhh
The song "Deck the Halls" is a beloved traditional Christmas carol that is synonymous with the holiday season. The first verse of the song encourages people to decorate their homes for Christmas with boughs of holly. The phrase "deck the hall" means to decorate the hall or room with garlands and greenery. The word "boughs" refers to a tree branch, often one from the holly tree.
The second verse of the song encourages people to participate in singing and playing music as a way of celebrating the festive season. The reference to the "blazing Yule" is a metaphor for the flaming log that was traditionally used to light a hearth during the Christmas season. The phrase "strike the harp" means to play the harp, and "join the chorus" means to participate in singing the carol.
The final verse of the song reflects on the end of one year and the beginning of another. It is a time to welcome the new year and to forget the past year's sorrows and difficulties. The phrase "fast away" means quickly passing, while "heeding the wind and weather" means ignoring the negative aspects of life.
Line by Line Meaning
Deck the hall with boughs of holly
Let us decorate the hall with holly branches as a symbol of Christmastime
Tis the season to be jolly
This is the time of year when we can be happy and carefree
Don we now our gay apparel
Let us put on our cheerful and bright clothing to celebrate the holiday
Toll the ancient Yuletide carol
Ring out the traditional Christmas song, to remind us of years gone by
See the blazing Yule before us
Look at the bright and warm fire that is lit during this holiday season
Strike the harp and join the chorus
Let us all play our instruments and unite in singing together
Follow me in merry measure
Join me in dancing and enjoying the happy atmosphere of the festivities
While I tell of Yuletide treasure
As we celebrate, let me share stories and memories of cherished Christmas experiences
Fast away the old year passes
The year has gone by quickly, and soon it will be a new year
Hail the new, ye lads and lasses
Greet the new year with enthusiasm, boys and girls
Sing we joyous, song together
Let us all sing together and feel the happiness that comes from the holiday season
Heedless of the wind and weather
Do not let the outside conditions dampen our spirits, and continue to enjoy the holiday season
Lyrics © OLE MEDIA MANAGEMENT LP
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
John Benn
WOW WOW WOW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11
From a mad keen 76yo Aussie fan.