Baubles Bangles And Beads
The Billy May Orchestra Lyrics


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Baubles, bangles, hear how they jing, jinga-linga
Baubles, bangles, bright shiny beads
Sparkles, spangles, your heart will sing, singa-linga
Wearin' baubles, bangles and beads

She glitter and gleam so
Make somebody dream so
That some day I may buy her a ring, ringa-linga
I've heard that's where it leads
Wearin' baubles, bangles, and beads

She should glitter and gleam so
Make somebody dream so
That some day, some day I may buy her a ring, ringa-linga
I have heard that's where it leads




Wearin' baubles, bangles, and beads
All those noisy bangles, and beads

Overall Meaning

"Baubles Bangles and Beads" is a song that was originally part of the musical Kismet, which premiered on Broadway in 1953. It was composed by Robert Wright and George Forrest, with lyrics by the legendary songwriter, Oscar Hammerstein II. The Billy May Orchestra's interpretation, with its towering brass section and playful melody, became a signature of the 1950s big band sound.


The lyrics, a paean to colorful jewelry, are infused with a sense of exoticism and a hint of yearning. The opening lines, "Baubles, bangles, hear how they jing, jinga-linga/Baubles, bangles, bright shiny beads," conjure up images of bazaars filled with sparkling ornaments and the sounds of merchants hawking their wares. The repetition of the phrase "singa-linga" adds to the playful tone of the song, underscoring the joy and frivolity that can come from indulging in a little bit of luxury.


The second half of the song takes on a more poignant tone. The singer sings of a woman who "glitters and gleams" in her baubles and bangles, making men dream of buying her a ring. The line "I have heard that's where it leads" implies both the promise of a future proposal and a sense of desperation, as the singer realizes that he may need to spend his life's savings on some flashy jewelry in order to win over this desirable woman.


Line by Line Meaning

Baubles, bangles, hear how they jing, jinga-linga
Listen to the sound of the small ornamental trinkets and bracelets jingling.


Baubles, bangles, bright shiny beads
Adorn yourself with the fashionable and dazzling accessories, including shiny beads.


Sparkles, spangles, your heart will sing, singa-linga
The flashes of light and small shiny disks will make your heart happy and joyful.


Wearin' baubles, bangles and beads
Sporting the fashionable items of jewelry such as bracelets, trinkets, and beads.


She glitter and gleam so
She shines and sparkles like the baubles and bangles she wears.


Make somebody dream so
She captivates and impresses others with her appearance and makes them imagine a future with her.


That some day I may buy her a ring, ringa-linga
Hoping to purchase an engagement ring and propose to her someday.


I've heard that's where it leads
It is commonly believed that wearing such beautiful accessories will lead to a proposal and marriage.


All those noisy bangles, and beads
The sounds of the jingling, clinking, and clattering bracelets and beads.




Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: GEORGE CHET FORREST, ROBERT WRIGHT

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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